J.D. Drew (herniated disc) took batting practice in a cage on Saturday. Drew is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, but will probably need several extra days.Source: Providence Journal

J.D. Drew (herniated disc) took batting practice in a cage on Saturday. Drew is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, but will probably need several more days.Source: Providence Journal

J.D. Drew will meet with doctors in Boston on Friday to try and remedy his aching back, according to the Boston Globe. "There's a chance they might give him an epidural," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.Drew was placed on the DL on Tuesday because his back had not gotten better. The team (and fantasy owners) have hope that the treatment will improve him enough so he can return to help them down the stretch.

News: All-Star RF J.D. Drew, on the disabled list with a strained lower back, returned to Boston and will be examined Friday. He might have an epidural injection to relieve the pain, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.

Analysis: Drew has been on the shelf since injuring his back Aug. 17 while backing up Ellsbury on a play in the outfield. He was removed from that game and has not played since. When Drew is healthy, he's a must-start. But he'll be out until September at the earliest. You may keep him stashed on your DL if you have the space

Mike Fitzpatrick, of The Associated Press, reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) will be re-evaluated Friday, Aug. 29, and could receive an epidural injection to relieve some pain, according to manager Terry Francona.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said that J.D. Drew's MRI was more procedural than a cause for concern. "I don't want to downplay it, but it's really not [serious that he had an MRI]. We have an obligation to get our guys looked at. We want to reassure a player that what he's going through is muscular," said Francona. Francona said he expected Drew back for this weekend's series with the White Sox, but Drew isn't eligible to come off the DL until Tuesday.Source: Boston Globe

Ian Browne, of MLB.com, reports the Boston Red Sox placed OF J.D. Drew (back) on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, Aug. 26, with stiffness in his back and a herniated disc. He will be shut down for the next week and is available to return Tuesday, Sept. 2.

News: J.D. Drew has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain, leaving the Boston Red Sox without their All-Star right fielder as they head into a tight pennant race. The move was made Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 18, and it opened a roster spot for right-hander Tim Wakefield. The knuckleballer was activated from the DL to start the opener of a three-game series against New York, Boston's final regular-season visit to Yankee Stadium. The Red Sox also called up infielder-outfielder Joe Thurston, purchasing his contract from Triple-A Pawtucket. Right-hander Chris Smith was optioned to Pawtucket.

Analysis: Drew has been on the shelf since injuring his back Aug. 17 while backing up Ellsbury on a play in the outfield. He was removed from that game and has not played since. He had an MRI in Toronto and could barely walk all weekend. When Drew is healthy, he's a must-start. But he'll be out until September at the earliest. You may keep him stashed on your DL if you have the space. Thurston is just organizational depth and isn't worth using in Fantasy. Smith was ever only an AL-only middle reliever

With continued stiffness in his back -- not to mention a herniated disc -- Drew will be shut down for the next week. The move was made retroactive to Aug. 18, meaning the left-handed hitter is eligible to be activated on Sept. 2 against the Orioles. To fill Drew's spot in the lineup, the Red Sox will continue to play Coco Crisp in center field and start Jacoby Ellsbury in right.

Red Sox placed outfielder J.D. Drew on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 18, with a herniated disk in his back. Drew will be eligible to return in a week, and with the progress he's made of late, he thinks he'll be back then. The Red Sox will keep starting both Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury while he's out.Related: Coco Crisp, Jacoby Ellsbury

Amalie Benjamin, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox OF Jonathan Van Every could be recalled if OF J.D. Drew (back) lands on the disabled list.

Amalie Benjamin, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) visited a spine specialist Tuesday, Aug. 26, but no decision has been made to whether he will be placed on the disabled list.

Updating an earlier report, J.D. Drew has been placed on the 15-day DL by the Red Sox, according to the Providence Journal. Joe Thurston has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to fill his spot on the roster.The team was hopeful his ailing back would improve by today, but it appears they did not get their wish. He missed the last six games due to a herniated disk in his back.

News: The Boston Globe reports that if J.D. Drew's back doesn't improve on Wednesday, the Red Sox outfielder could be headed for the disabled list. Manager Terry Francona didn't rule out that possibility over the weekend.

Analysis: Drew has been on the shelf since injuring his back Aug. 17 while backing up Ellsbury on a play in the outfield. He was removed from that game and has not played since. He had an MRI in Toronto and could barely walk all weekend. The Sox wanted to wait until today to make a decision, hoping Drew would be ready for the Yankees. If Drew can't go, Jason Lane would be a possibility to be promoted from Pawtucket. Keep Drew reserved until further notice

The Providence Journal reports that the Red Sox will place J.D. Drew (back) on the disabled list. Drew has been out for six games with back pain and a herniated disk, and Jacoby Ellsbury has moved over to right in his absence. The Sox have also reportedly been pursuing Atlanta's Mark Kotsay. For now, the team will recall infielder Joe Thurston from Pawtucket to take his roster spot.Source: Providence Journal Related: Mark Kotsay

The Boston Globe's Amalie Benjamin reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) could barely walk all weekend and could be headed to the disabled list if he doesn't improve Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The Red Sox are hopeful J.D. Drew's back improves by today, otherwise he could be bound for the DL, according to the Boston Globe. Drew has been out of service since injuring his back on August 17.The team also starts a series against the rival Yankees Tuesday, increasing their need to get Drew back. If he does land on the DL, Jason Lane could possibly be promoted from Pawtucket to fill his spot in the outfield.

Updating previous items, The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) missed his sixth consecutive game Sunday, Aug. 24.

Drew was not in the lineup for Boston's series finale with the Blue Jays on Sunday, and has now missed the past six games because of his sore back. Red Sox manager Terry Francona acknowledged that it is likely that Drew will land on the disabled list. Drew is hitting .280 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs this season. Stay tuned.

As J.D. Drew's back spasms continue to keep him out of the Red Sox's lineup, it is becoming more and more likely that the right fielder may be headed to the disabled list, according to MLB.com.Drew was not in the lineup for Boston's series finale with the Blue Jays on Sunday, and has now missed the past six games because of his sore back. On Friday, Drew visited a Toronto hospital and was told that he had a herniated disc in his back. He also underwent an MRI exam, which did not reveal anything major, but only confirmed that his problems were due to back spasms. The 32-year-old Drew has dealt with back woes at times during his career. This year, there have been multiple occasions where his back has locked up on him, the first time coming just moments before Opening Day in Japan. However, despite his back troubles this season, Drew has managed to avoid any trips to the DL.

Manager Terry Francona said J.D. Drew could be placed on the disabled list if he's not ready to play by early next week. Drew is dealing with back pain and a herniated disk and will miss his sixth straight game on Sunday. Jacoby Ellsbury should continue to start in right field.Source: Providence Journal Related: Jacoby Ellsbury

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) was not in the starting lineup Saturday, Aug. 23, because of a back injury. He has missed five straight games.

News: Red Sox RF J.D. Drew (back) missed his fifth straight game Saturday at Toronto. He remains day to day.

Analysis: Drew's injury-plagued career continues. Hopefully, you've weened yourself off him by now, considering he has only three home runs since his monster June that earned him a ticket to the All-Star game. Better play it safe and bench him for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 25-31)

According to the Boston Globe, J.D. Drew "should be OK in a few days when the back spasms subside." The newspaper notes that the Red Sox "would love to add another outfielder to the mix" in the wake of Drew's back problems, but "there doesn't seem to be anyone out there they can get their hands on that they feel would add anything of substance to their team." Brian Giles turned down a trade to Boston three weeks ago.Source: Boston Globe

J.D. Drew's MRI confirmed he is suffering from a herniated disk in his back, according to the Boston Globe. Manager Terry Francona said, "The MRI was actually very encouraging. Talked about the disk; that's been there for a long time. It's just spasming around it. The muscles are spasming, so when we calm that down he'll be OK. I think we thought he was calmed down to the point yesterday where he was going to play, then it spasmed up again. Just got to get it to calm down."Drew is on anti-inflammatory medication for the spasms. The team trainers will continually try to treat it, see if we can get it calmed down, try to break the spasm, fix the pain, and then get him ready to return to the diamond. It remains to be seen if he will need to spend time on the DL.

J.D. Drew's MRI confirmed he is suffering from a herniated disk in his back, according to the Boston Globe. Manager Terry Francona said, "The MRI was actually very encouraging. Talked about the disk; that's been there for a long time. It's just spasming around it. The muscles are spasming, so when we calm that down he'll be OK. I think we thought he was calmed down to the point yesterday where he was going to play, then it spasmed up again. Just got to get it to calm down."Drew is on anti-inflammatory medication for the spasms. The team trainers will continually try to treat it, see if we can get it calmed down, try to break the spasm, fix the pain, and then get him ready to return to the diamond. It remains to be seen if the team will place him on the DL.

News: Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (herniated disk) was scratched from the lineup Friday at Toronto but is hoping to avoid a trip to the DL. He underwent an MRI on Friday, but the results have not yet been released. He has now missed four straight games.

Analysis: Drew's injury-plagued career continues. Hopefully, you've weened yourself off him by now, considering he has only three home runs since his monster June that earned him a ticket to the All-Star game. Better play it safe and bench him for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 25-31)

A clinical examination on Friday revealed the herniated disc in Drew's back and he also underwent an MRI exam. He's had back issues throughout his 11-season career and his back has locked up on him several times this season. He hasn't participated in any baseball-related activities and is taking anti-inflammatory medicine. It's unclear if he is in danger of landing on the disabled list.

Joe McDonald, of The Providence Journal, reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) has been suffering from a herniated disc in his lower back, an MRI confirmed Friday, Aug. 22. The team has not indicated whether Drew will need to be placed on the disabled list.

J.D. Drew has been diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. Drew, who has a history of back problems, hasn't played since leaving Sunday's game with lower back tightness. He was in the original lineup posted for Friday, but was scratched and sent for an MRI. According to the Providence Journal the Red Sox are expected to release further details on his status Friday evening, but Drew seems likely to end up on the disabled list. Jacoby Ellsbury is starting in right field against the Blue Jays and Brian Giles' decision to veto a deal to Boston suddenly looms large.Source: Providence Journal

J.D. Drew is suffering from a herniated disc in his back, according to the Providence Journal. He had missed three straight games and was still in pain on Friday, so he underwent an MRI, which revealed the condition.Though Drew said he hopes he will not need a stint on the DL, the Red Sox may be wise to make such a move because they can backdate it to the day after Drew played his last game.

J.D. Drew has been diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. Drew, who has a history of back problems, hasn't played since leaving Sunday's game with lower back tightness. He was in the original lineup posted for Friday, but was scratched and sent for an MRI. According to the Providence Journal, the Red Sox are expected to release further details on his status Friday evening. Jacoby Ellsbury is starting in right field against the Blue Jays.Source: Providence Journal

Following an MRI exam Friday, J.D. Drew has been diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. Drew, who has a history of back problems, hasn't played since leaving Sunday's game with lower back tightness. He was in the original lineup posted for Friday, but was scratched and sent for an MRI. According to the Providence Journal, the Red Sox are expected to release further details on his status Friday evening.Source: Providence Journal

Nick Cafardo, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) is undergoing an MRI on his back Friday, Aug. 22. He was originally slated to be in the lineup Friday but manager Terry Francona said Drew's back has continued to worsen.

J.D. Drew will not play on Friday and he is scheduled to have an MRI on his back, which has been causing him pain, according to the Providence Journal.Drew was supposed to play Friday, but that plan was scuttled. We'll know more on the extent of the injury once the MRI results are revealed. Until them, stash him on your bench.

J.D. Drew was sent for an MRI on his ailing back. He was supposed to return to Boston's lineup on Friday, but he's clearly still being bothered by the pain.Source: Providence Journal

J.D. Drew was sent for an MRI on his ailing back. He was supposed to return to Boston's lineup on Friday but he's clearly still being bothered by the pain.Source: Providence Journal

J.D. Drew missed his third straight game Wednesday due to lower back stiffness, according to the Boston Globe.He is feeling better, but manager Terry Francona opted to keep him out Wednesday since he hadn't particpated in baseball activities for a few days. The plan is for him to take batting practice and then target him to return Friday against Toronto.

J.D. Drew (back) is expected to rejoin the Red Sox lineup on Friday. He was feeling better on Wednesday, but since he hadn't participated in baseball activities in three days the team decided to rest him one more game.Source: Boston Globe

News: Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew was held out of the starting lineup for a third straight game Wednesday against the Orioles with a stiff back. But manager Terry Francona expected him to play in the weekend series against the Blue Jays.

Analysis: Drew's injury-plagued career continues. He is a streaky slugger worth using in any Fantasy league when he is going well, but you will be frustrated by his inconsistency and week-to-week injury woes. Track his progress through the weekend before you consider him in Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 25-31)

Outfielder J.D. Drew is out again on Tuesday due to back stiffness, the Providence Journal reports. He suffered the injury on Sunday and also sat on Monday. Manager Terry Francona says that Drew is improving.We're shocked, shocked, shocked to see such a rock like Drew missing time. He remains day-to-day.

News: Outfielder J.D. Drew's balky lower back is progressing, but he was out of the starting lineup against Baltimore for a second straight game Tuesday. "Improved -- not ready to play, but he's improving," manager Terry Francona said.

Analysis: Drew's injury-plagued career continues. He is a streaky slugger worth using in any Fantasy league when he is going well, but you will be frustrated by his inconsistency and week-to-week injury woes. Track his progress through the weekend before you consider him in Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 25-31)

J.D. Drew (back) is absent from the Red Sox's lineup for the second straight game Tuesday. Drew left Sunday's blowout loss after three innings with lower back soreness and hasn't played since. Jacoby Ellsbury is replacing him in right field and leading off.

Nick Cafardo, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) is not in the starting lineup for the second straight day Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Drew's main motivation for exiting Sunday's Red Sox game in the third inning was to calm his back spasms in time to be able to be back in the lineup on Monday, but that clearly did not work. Drew has dealt with back woes at various times throughout his career. There have been at least three occasions this season -- starting with just moments before Opening Day in Japan -- when his back has locked up on him. He's considered day-to-day.

Amalie Benjamin, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) is not in the lineup Monday, Aug. 18. He is not sure how long he will be out of the lineup.

J.D. Drew is not in Monday's lineup because of back stiffness, according to the Providence Journal. He had to leave Sunday's game with the injury. "Hopefully we got him out soon enough where it doesn't completely lock up on him and we lose him for four or five days," said manager Terry Francona.At this point this doesn't seem like a big deal, but you never know with Drew. He has had back issues a few times this year.

J.D. Drew (back) is out of Boston's lineup on Monday night. He left Sunday's game with tightness in his lower back, and apparently it's still feeling stiff. For now, he's day-to-day. Jacoby Ellsbury will play in right with Coco Crisp in center.Related: Coco Crisp, Jacoby Ellsbury

J.D. Drew (back) is out of Boston's lineup on Monday night. He left Sunday's game with tightness in his lower back, and apparently it's still feeling stiff.

News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: OF J.D. Drew left Sunday afternoon's game in the fifth inning when his lower back tightened up on him, but the right fielder isn't expected to miss any time with the injury. OF Jeff Bailey replaced Drew in right field following his early exit from the game, and was one of several reserve players introduced to Sunday's lineup once the game reached blowout territory. "He had a stiff lower back," said Sox manager Terry Francona. "We were getting guys out anyway, but he said his back was stiff and that makes it an easy decision."

Analysis: Drew remains a decent option in mixed leagues down the stretch. He has been struggling of late, but he is a streaky slugger who can get hot and carry a Fantasy team when he is going well. Track his progress through the weekend before considering benching him for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 25-31)

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew (back) left after three innings Sunday, Aug. 17, due to lower back tightness.

Drew was 0-for-0 after drawing a walk in the second inning off Shaun Marcum, and he exited with the Red Sox trailing, 8-0. The Sox would eventually fall to the Jays, 15-4.

News: Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew left the game against the Toronto Blue Jays after three innings Sunday due to tightness in his lower back. He is questionable for the team's upcoming three-game series at Baltimore.

Analysis: Drew, who walked in his only at-bat and was doubled off second on Alex Cora's line drive to center field, has been slumping. He entered the game with just six hits in his last 31 at-bats. He was moved back into the middle of the order on Saturday night after hitting leadoff for about three weeks while Jacoby Ellsbury was struggling. Consider him an injury-risk start for the upcoming scoring period now

J.D. Drew was forced out of Sunday's game against Toronto due to lower back tightness, according to the AP.Jeff Bailey replaced him in right field. We will keep you posted when more details regarding Drew's status are disclosed.

J.D. Drew left Sunday's game with lower back tightness. With the Red Sox down 8-0 after three innings, Jeff Bailey replaced him in right field.

After falling off the map a bit with a dismal .221 clip in July, Drew's picked up right where he left off in June, going 11-for-33 (.333) with four extra-base hits and 10 runs scored in his first 10 games this month. That said, owners might like to see his power numbers balloon a bit, as he's gone homerless in his last 14 contests while plating just five runs in that span. Expect the veteran slugger to pick up the pace a bit soon enough.

Ian Browne, of MLB.com, reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew broke out of a 1-for-12 slump Monday, Aug. 11, with a game-winning double.

News: Red Sox OF J.D. Drew dropped even further down from the leadoff spot Monday at the White Sox, batting sixth and going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI.

Analysis: Drew likely only dropped so far because the Red Sox faced a left-handed pitcher. The Red Sox keep experimenting with their lineup, so keep an open mind. He certainly has the potential to hit like a No. 2 Fantasy OF