Rehabbing Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew played his third straight game for the Triple-A Reno Aces on Saturday, the first time he has done so since he began his rehab assignment.
According to beat writer Nick Piecoro, manager Kirk Gibson sounds like Drew is almost there. "I'm optimistic that he's getting closer," Gibson said.
"I don't think it was easy for him," Gibson said of Drew playing three consecutive games. "I really don't. I think it was tough and he pushed through it. That's my sense."
Drew is hitting .292 in his rehab stint, slugging .542 and has a .346 on-base percentage. He has a double, a triple and a homer.
Reports are that he is fielding his position very well, with "tough plays he made look fairly routine, ranging far, planting and throwing."
There is no timetable yet for his return, but we get the sense that he will definitely be back in the D-backs lineup by the time baseball resumes after the All-Star break.
Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at AZ Snakepit.
For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook.