Stephen Drew injury: Red Sox SS begins rehab assignment

Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew began his minor league rehab assignment yesterday with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, according to Alex Speier of WEEI.com.

Drew went 0-for-3 with a ground out to second base, a line out to short and a strikeout looking in three trips to the plate. He manned the infield for five innings before exiting the contest. It was his longest appearance in the field since sustaining his concussion, as he's played three- and four-inning stints at short in extended spring training.

Santana's surgery a success

Johan repeat trip under the knife went well Tuesday. Now the southpaw must start the long road to recovery.

Hit in the head by a pitch earlier last month, Drew has been sidelined since after showing symptoms of a concussion. He was cleared to play in games recently, and he's reportedly hoping to return in time for the Red Sox home opener Monday against the Baltimore Orioles.

Drew's rehab stint is expected to last four games, and the assignment can't go any more than five games considering Drew is on the seven-day concussion disabled list. When the Red Sox deem Drew as ready to return and make his debut for the team, he'll be inserted into the lineup and take over at shortstop for Jose Iglesias, who's manning the position in his absence.

More from MLBDD:

• MLB scores & more: 4/5
• Cano hires Jay-Z
• TROUT SMASH
• Darvish THIS CLOSE to perfection