Stephen Drew Traded to Athletics
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Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images(OAKLAND) — The Oakland Athletics acquired shortstop Stephen Drew from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.
In return, the A’s send minor league infielder Sean Jamieson to Arizona.
Drew is recovering from an ankle fracture that cost him a year of playing time. He has struggled since returning with the Diamondbacks, hitting only .193 with two home runs and 12 RBIs.
Much like the D-Backs, the Athletics are fighting for a playoff spot.
“It’ll be refreshing and a new start,” Drew said. “It’s a good feeling to go over there and still be competing (for the postseason).”
The move comes contrary to comments Arizona general manager Kevin Towers had last month, saying it was “highly unlikely” that they would ship Drew during this current season.
The move also came as a surprise to current A’s shortstop Cliff Pennington, who has struggled in his own right this season, batting .198 for the year.
“He plays the same position, so I guess we’ll see what happens,” Pennington said. “I was sitting there in the dugout and they announced it. I have no idea what those guys (in the front office) think. I’m going to try to pretend I do.”
Drew is reunited in Oakland with former Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin, who won an NL West crown with Drew in 2007.
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