Diamondbacks Stephen Drew Questionable for Opening Day

There have been question marks surrounding Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew this offseason, but much of the queries have gone unanswered.  After sustaining a horrific ankle injury last summer, Drew’s status for Opening Day 2012 has been in question.  Now, two months away from the start of the season, the 28-year-old has told reporters that he is “optimistic” but unsure about his status for Opening Day.

Last July, Drew fractured his right ankle while sliding into home plate during a contest against the Brewers.  It was an excruciating sequence to watch, as Drew simply remained on the ground writhing in pain following the play at the plate.

From the way Drew’s ankle bent beneath him during the slide, one could tell the damage was significant.  Now, months after the injury, questions continue to surround Drew’s status for Opening Day 2012.

The Diamondbacks haven’t offered much in the way of updates this offseason, though general manager Kevin Towers did say last week that Arizona will take it slow with Drew.  Drew has also been silent regarding the situation, but he spoke with reporters yesterday.  The shortstop said that he’s “optimistic” but not sure if he’ll be ready for Opening Day.

With Drew set to enter his final season before reaching free agency, both sides figure to treat the recovery process with caution.  Arizona has a pair of veterans who can fill in for Drew in Willie Bloomquist and John McDonald, so the Diamondbacks are unlikely to rush him along through his rehab process.

But Arizona will certainly want to get Drew back on the field at full strength as soon as possible.  Before last season’s injury Drew had struggled at the plate, but does sport a career line of .270/.330/.442 over his six major league seasons.

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