The long wait seemed to be nearing its end. J.D. Drew had occupied a spot on the disabled list since Aug. 26 and has not played since Aug. 18 because of a strained lower back. But it appeared before last night's game that he would return to the Red Sox lineup this weekend. But there was a complication Tuesday. Though manager Terry Francona had announced before the game that Drew would be available, the innings crept by and Drew never entered. By the time the Sox got to the 14th, it seemed obvious that something must have gone wrong. And it had. "He had a good workout, went through everything full speed, and then his back tightened up, so we stayed away from him," Francona said. Francona had said Drew would be available off the bench after being cleared by the medical staff earlier in the afternoon. "He did everything with no limitations, or at the worst, very little," Francona said before the game. "So he'll be available, and we'll work him back in after the offday." But by the time the first pitch was thrown, that was no longer true. With today's day off, Drew will be reevaluated before the weekend, when the Sox face the Blue Jays. http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/09/11/drews_return_hits_a_snag/
