Stephen Drew is in the starting lineup Thursday against the Braves. Drew went 1-for-4 with a strikeout Wednesday in his season debut. It was thought that he would be eased back into the lineup, so that's he's playing in back-to-back games is a sign that his ankle is feeling good. It might take a little while for him to shake the rust offensively, but the 29-year-old shortstop is a worthwhile pickup in most fantasy formats.

Stephen Drew (ankle) went 1-for-4 with a strikeout Wednesday in his first game of the season. Drew showed no rust while running the bases and fielding his position, and should be a productive player for the rest of this season. Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson cautioned earlier this week that Drew would be eased into regular action, so look for the 29-year-old shortstop to get a couple days off this week.

Diamondbacks activated SS Stephen Drew from the 15-day disabled list. Drew is in the starting lineup Wednesday for the first time since suffering a fractured right ankle last July 20, but Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson has already cautioned that he will not be an everyday player. The 29-year-old shortstop is worth a look in deeper mixed fantasy leagues, but those in standard formats can afford to wait and see.

Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson has confirmed that Stephen Drew (ankle) will be activated from the disabled list Wednesday. He'll be in the lineup against the Braves, but Gibson has cautioned that Drew won't play every day. "I just think we can't expect him to go out there and be an everyday player," Gibson said. "At the same time, it'll be important for him after he plays [a few games in a row], he'll be a bat off the bench because we need that."

Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said on Arizona Sports Radio 620 that he hopes Stephen Drew (ankle) will be activated from the disabled list next Wednesday.

Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said Monday that Stephen Drew (ankle) could come back as a part-time player. The plan would be to have Drew start once every three days and come off the bench in the others. The 28-year-old shortstop just recently played three straight minor league rehab games, but he's evidently not 100 percent quite yet.

Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said that Stephen Drew (ankle) will play three straight rehab games with Triple-A Reno, beginning Thursday. Drew is hitting .308 (4-for-13) with one homer, one triple and two RBI over his first three rehab games. He has played every other day up until now, but the Diamondbacks are ready to ramp up his workload. Barring any setbacks, he should be activated from the disabled list before the end of the month. This would be a smart time to stash him in mixed fantasy leagues.

Stephen Drew (ankle) played a whole nine innings at shortstop Monday with Triple-A Reno. Drew is getting Tuesday and Wednesday off, but will play back-to-back rehab games on Thursday and Friday. He's inching closer and closer to returning to the majors, and should be stashed in most mixed fantasy leagues.

During a radio appearance, Diamondbacks managing partner Ken Kendrick questioned Stephen Drew's motivation to return from ankle surgery. "I think Stephen should have been out there playing before now, frankly. I, for one, am disappointed," said Kendrick. "I'm going to be real candid and say Stephen and his representatives are more focused on where Stephen is going to be a year from now than going out and supporting the team that's paying his salary. All you can do is hope that the player is treating the situation with integrity. Frankly, we have our concerns." Drew had ankle surgery last July and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno on Thursday. His contract includes a $10 million mutual option for 2013 for a $1.35 million buyout, so this is essentially his contract year.

Stephen Drew (ankle) will begin his rehab assignment Thursday at Triple-A Reno. Drew had been playing in extended spring training games for over a week, so this is obviously an encouraging sign. Manager Kirk Gibson said the length of his assignment will be determined by how much progress he makes. Of course, given how little progress he's made thus far, he might need extra time.