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Red Sox morning notes: Stephen Drew heading to Pittsburgh to undergo more tests 03.19.13 at 11:02 am ET
By Rob Bradford

Stephen Drew

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Stephen Drew will travel to Pittsburgh Tuesday night in order to undergo a series of tests with Dr. Micky Collins at the University of Pittsburgh. Drew has been suffering from a concussion since being hit in the front of the batting helmet with a fastball on March 7.

“He’ll undergo evaluation on Wednesday and part of Thursday morning, and then return here Thursday afternoon,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said.

“We don’t have any reason to believe that there is more there. But we’re trying to get a better understanding of what is there. We’re sending him to see Dr. Collins at the University of Pittsubugh, so just the fact he’s still experiencing the same type of symptoms, we just want to get our arms around it the best we can.”

Farrell later added, “His care is first and foremost. I guess the fact is that we’re still in spring training, we know the days are ticking by, but whatever measure we can take with his care being first and foremost, we’re going to do that. That’s the best I can tell you right now.”

Drew, who had 17 plate appearances before being shut down due to the concussion, might be trending toward not being ready for Opening Day due to the time off and the continued setbacks.

“That window is closing by the day,” Farrell said. “When you talk about an ordinary, or somewhat normal number of at-bats in spring training, those opportunities are starting to be removed.”

In other news:

- The Red Sox expect Xander Bogaerts to be back in camp at some point Tuesday, returning from the World Baseball Classic. Farrell said he will get some reps at third base, but added, “Make no mistake about it, in our eyes he’s still a shortstop.”

Bogaerts finished his WBC stint totaling 22 plate appearances, hitting .263  (2 doubles) with a .732 OPS.

“I think the experience he had with the WBC, I think is all positive. Would we have liked more at-bats? Sure. But I think the fact he played in that environment and on that stage outweighs a few less at-bats than he might have had here. All that being said, we’re happy for the experience he went through.”

- Farrell said the Red Sox would find out a little later Tuesday if David Ortiz would be ready to swing the bat, calling it a “day-to-day” situation.

- Outfielder Mitch Maier underwent an MRI Monday, confirming he has a “pretty severe sprain,” according to Farrell. Maier will remain in a splint for a week before being reexamined.

Read More: David Ortiz, John Farrell, Red Sox, Stephen Drew Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • jaypop

    J.D. jr. all over again…..

  • http://www.facebook.com/sean.kelly.9210 Sean Kelly

    not quite- J.D. was never plunked in the helmet and suffered a concussion…. the light at the end of this tunnel is to let Jose Iglesias start and see if the future is now.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1446071508 Pierre Gagne

    people forget that jd had a high obp, was among the best in right field in ops, and played great defense for much of his stay in boston. why there is hate for him i will never understand. yes, he was overpaid, but that is not his fault. he did what he was asked to do, got on base and played great defense. get over it people.

  • Anonymous

    I sure hope he is ok, concussions are nothing to mess with.
    But this was a useless signing.
    We should have given Jose Iglesias the chance to win the job before looking elsewhere.

  • Bob M.

    I thought Iglesias had ample opportunity in the second half of 2012. He seemed to be a virtual automatic out. He’s a terrific defensive shortstop, and I hope that he is able to contribute more with the bat in 2013, but I certainly did not find fault with the Sox signing Drew to a one year deal.

  • Qtrback

    But Bob, he (Iglesias) can’t hit minor league pitching never mind major league pitching.

  • Qtrback

    Again, do you actually watch the Red Sox or just read about them, the kid can’t hit!

  • Anonymous

    Hate for J.D. was all about personality, I think. Boston fans like demonstrative, fiery players like Trot Nixon. Also, Boston fans like guys who seem to exceed their tools, like Pedroia or Cody Ross. J.D., unfortunately, has always been saddled with a reputation for not quite living up to extraordinary physical gifts. Boston fans like a guy who should be merely okay but instead is good or great. J.D. was a guy who was perceived (fairly or unfairly) as someone who should be great but is merely good. This all being the case, I think the fans will really like Gomes.

  • Anonymous

    Mark Belanger was a lifetime .228 hitter, but I would gladly have him as my shortstop. Iglesias has 83 big league at bats, give me a break with the kid can’t hit there mister baseball.

  • Jack Chase

    Actually, he did fairly well in Pawtucket near the end of the season. He has also been getting good wood on the ball during ST. Remember Pedey’s first year?

  • KingKen

    And the only years Baltimore did anything notable when Belanger was their SS were the years Belanger actually DID hit. Look at his career stats and compare it to the years Baltimore did well. They didn’t win despite his lack of offense. They won in the years his offense was actually somewhat league average or better. When he hit below average they didn’t win. And it would be the same with the Sox and Iglesias.

  • Anonymous

    KingKen, you make good points.
    Belanger was a terrible hitter but he was the glue of the Oriole infield.
    I am just saying that Iglesias has the ability to play the positon and has shown that he is willing to work on his offense. He gets his chance here.
    I hope he makes the best of it.

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