The biggest news in all of Major League Baseball on Tuesday was the signing of shortstop Stephen Drew by the Boston Red Sox, and on Wednesday, Drew was activated to the 25-man roster in place of pitcher Felix Doubront.
The signing of Drew was slightly controversial in some circles, but there is little doubt that his presence will allow Boston to be a better team immediately, even with the requirement of shifting uber-prospect Xander Bogaerts to third base. Drew, now 31 years old, posted a 3.4 fWAR season in Boston last year on the strength of a .253/.333/.443 slash line and above-average defense, and in his addition could be an impactful one for the Red Sox. The biggest obstacle to the activation of Stephen Drew, though, is the speed in which it has taken place, just one day after his signing.
However, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses for Boston on Wednesday, as they were forced to send Felix Doubront to the disabled list in order to make Drew’s activation happen. The left-hander left his start on Tuesday with reported numbness in his throwing shoulder (never a good thing), and while he hasn’t been great this season (5.12 ERA), the Red Sox don’t have a ton of pitching depth in their rotation.
To this point, the club has not announced who will replace Doubront, but Boston will be hoping for a minimum stay on the disabled list.