The time is finally upon us. After months of waiting, it appears that Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew is going to be activated from the disabled list, where he has been since breaking his ankle last season. Arizona general manager Kevin Towers revealed the likely plans for Drew's return on Wendesday in a radio interview on Arizona Sports 620.
He was scheduled to play three straight games this week, but had a a death in the family that would take him back home for a few days. Instead of sitting that long, Towers said he could be moved to play some with Mobile, the team's Double-A affiliate.
"We talked about maybe having him play a game or two in Mobile since we're on the East Coast, I think our trainer was going to talk to him about that," Towers said. "And then hopefully activate him on Wednesday."
He would play Sunday and Monday in consecutive games, have a recovery day on Tuesday and then could be activated on Wednesday and join the team in Atlanta during their series with the Braves.
The return of Drew will mean a roster change with the infield. The logical choice right now would be to let Josh Bell go, with Ryan Roberts, Willie Bloomquist and John McDonald all possibly getting time at third base, with Drew, Bloomquist and McDonald also playing shortstop. Manager Kirk Gibson has previously said that Drew probably would not be used as an everyday player, at least right when he returns.
His defense will be a welcome addition and if he can bat anything near what he is capable of, he will be a needed addition to the lineup.
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