Still experiencing symptoms 10 days after suffering a concussion, Stephen Drew is expected to seek an expert’s opinion this week.
Drew, who has not played since being hit in the head with a pitch on March 7, will travel to Pittsburgh to be examined by Dr. Michael Collins if his condition does not improve significantly by Tuesday, MLB.com’s Evan Drellich reports.
Collins has previously worked with major leaguers Brandon McCarthy and Brian Roberts, who suffered season-ending concussions in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
“Reports this morning [were that he had] similar symptoms, and if nothing is improved or if there’s no improvement by the end of day tomorrow, we’re going to have him go see Dr. Collins in Pittsburgh,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said Monday.
The shortstop’s concussion symptoms have reportedly lessened since the time of his injury but have yet to complete subside.
“He feels it even when he’s not in that exertion mode,” Farrell said. “He still feels some of the symptoms from the night of hit by pitch. While there’s been some improvement, they’re still present. … He’s still in this phase where he’s unable to get back on the field.”
With Drew now an extreme long shot to return by Opening Day, Jose Iglesias is the odds-on favorite to start at shortstop when the Sox open their season in New York on April 1. Iglesias has impressed the coaching staff throughout spring training, showing much improvement at the plate from his ghastly offensive output last season while continuing to showcase his exceptional defensive skills. Pedro Ciriaco is expected to see significant time at short, as well.
“Jose has done a very good job,” Farrell said. “He feels confident in the box, and that’s what we’re seeing. His work has been outstanding, and he spoke openly about maybe some disappointment was brought in over the offseason but understood it, and yet he’s put that behind him. … I think Pedro’s versatility might keep him in that utility type of role.”
Photo via Facebook/Boston Red Sox
