Stephen Drew took a big step toward returning to the diamond Tuesday.
The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham reports that Drew has been cleared for game action by Major League Baseball. The Red Sox shortstop hasn’t played since being hit in the head with a pitch back on March 7.
Though he is now medically cleared, Drew still has a ways to go before he is ready to take the field in a major league game. His stint on the seven-day disabled list ends Wednesday, but the 30-year-old is expected to remain in Fort Myers for extended spring training before making his Red Sox debut.
He made three plate appearances during an EST game on Tuesday, according to Abraham.
Jose Iglesias has impressed at shortstop in Drew’s absence. Once known as a defensive specialist, Iglesias hit .294 with a home run and eight RBIs in spring training, and went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in an Opening Day win over the Yankees on Monday.
