Empire Writes Back
Fansided

Yankees Rumors: Stephen Drew Out For Season?

By Kenneth Teape

facebooktwitterreddit

New York Yankees Rumors: Have we seen Stephen Drew in a Yankees uniform for the last time as he deals with a possible concussion?

The New York Yankees have been without second baseman Stephen Drew for a week now. He is dealing with an illness that looks like it could possibly be a concussion. The test have not been conclusive yet, but that is what he thinks he could have. Already missing a week, and with only five games including today against the Red Sox left in the season, Drew’s season looks to be doubt.

Dizziness and issues with his balance have been plaguing Drew, which are the symptoms of a concussion. This is something that Drew has dealt with in the past, as he missed three months of the 2012 season while dealing with a concussion. That previous prognosis alone would probably signal the end of Drew’s 2015 campaign, and his run with the Yankees.

More Yankees: Who is the greatest Yankee of all-time?

Despite only hitting .151 with three home runs in 140 at-bats with the Yankees in 2014, the Yankees decided that Drew played well enough to warrant a contract for this season. He has improved a big this time around, but is still coming up way short of expectations for a player that was handed a $5 million contract.

This season, in 383 at-bats, Drew has slashed .201/.271/.381 with 17 home runs. Being over .200 is quite an accomplishment for Drew though, as August 30th, 2015 was the first time his batting average reached the Mendoza line since June 16th, 2014. There are pitchers who have more success at the plate during that time, making it that much more confusing as to why Drew was given so much playing time this season.

More from New York Yankees

Manager Joe Girardi is not sure when Drew will return, if at all either, saying, “I don’t know what is going to turn it around.” Girardi doesn’t need Drew to rush back though, as he has some players at his disposal to replace the under achieving veteran.

Dustin Ackley, whom the Yankees acquired at the trade deadline from the Seattle Mariners, has mixed in with rookie Rob Refsnyder recently. Ackley has been much more productive in his limited time with the Yankees than he was at any time with the Mariners, hitting .300 in 40 at-bats with three home runs. Refsnyder has also played better in his second go-round with the big league club, going 5-for-12 against the White Sox and Red Sox with two walks. Brendan Ryan also remains in the mix, but is more valuable for his glove than his bat. So, he is better fit for a role off the bench as a utility man or late game replacement.

The Yankees and Girardi should be able to more than make up for the loss of Drew with the players they have available to them at this time. They have been more reliable hitters and fielders recently when the Yankees need it most as they are in the midst of a playoff race and cannot afford many empty performances at the plate or in the field.

Next: Where Are The Yankees In Our MLB Power Rankings?

More from Empire Writes Back

Home/New York Yankees