Stephen Drew could return this weekend

Jun 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew (7) walks off the field against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Drew‘s sore right oblique was only expected to sideline the shortstop for a couple of days. However, he missed the entirety of the Red Sox’ most recent series in Baltimore in addition to missing the first game of their current series against the Cleveland Indians. That streak of missed games could soon come to a halt, though, as Red Sox manager John Farrell is hopeful that Drew will be able to return to action at some point this weekend.

Drew is slated to begin increased baseball activities today and, so long as nothing is out of the ordinary, he should be on track to return to the Red Sox within the coming days. However, if things are in fact out of the ordinary, then Drew’s condition could warrant an MRI. John Farrell had some words on Drew’s condition.

"“At this point, there was an ultrasound done. An MRI is a possibility if the increased baseball activities tomorrow warrant it. The plan is for him not to have it right now. He’ll ramp up the activities. If there’s any kind of reproducing of the symptoms, then it would be administered at this point. Hopefully he gets through tomorrow and then we’re looking for game activity on the weekend.”"

Hopefully, Drew will return soon and be able to reverse the current evaluations of his contract. If he is unable to return in the next few days, however, no harm done because Jonathan Herrera has been doing an excellent job in his stead. Since Drew left the game on Sunday, Herrera has performed well defensively and had a clutch two-out triple in yesterday’s 5-2 win over the Indians. Obviously, Drew’s name in the lineup is plan A, though, and we should see that plan in action before long.