Drew could join Red Sox for Indians series

BOSTON -- While manager John Farrell won't make any predictions on when shortstop Stephen Drew will join the Red Sox, he's hopeful Drew will be available when the team begins its three-game series with the Indians on Monday in Cleveland.

After playing three games with Class A Greenville and two games with Triple-A Pawtucket, Farrell said Drew will play both games at shortstop this weekend for Pawtucket before a decision is made.

"The next few days will give us a read on where he is at," Farrell said. "When he was in Greenville, we spoke right after. By his own design, he wanted to see as many pitches as possible. He wanted to track the ball. We are trusting the fact that this is a veteran player getting back into shape."

Boston's initial plan was for Drew to get at least 25 at-bats, but he's likely to fall short of that even with the two games this weekend. In 15 at-bats between Greenville and Pawtucket, Drew has four hits (two doubles) and two RBIs. However, he's struck out seven times.

"Stephen is a rhythm type of hitter and playing every day is key to that. We aren't rushing to any evaluation on whether he'll be activated Monday or later on," Farrell said. "It will be a process and we are fully accepting of that."

Since Drew didn't clear waivers until May 23, Major League Baseball option rules stipulate that he has to spend at least 10 days in the Minor Leagues before he can be activated by the Red Sox.

Once Drew finally does return to the team, Farrell understands it will take some time before he is fully acclimated.

"It will be a balance with how much he plays," Farrell said. "He is still getting back into shape."