Drew begins Red Sox tuneup at Class-A Greenville

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Boston shortstop Stephen Drew began a stretch of what could be around 10 games in the minor leagues at Classe-A Greenville.

He went 1 for 2 and played five innings of defense on Friday.

The Red Sox optioned the recently signed infielder to the minor-league club earlier in the day.

Drew agreed to re-sign with Boston Tuesday, six months after he had rejected a qualifying offer from the World Series champions to become a free agent.

Boston manager John Farrell before Friday night's Red Sox game at Tampa Bay said Drew would spend four days with Greenville before joining either Double-A Portland or Triple-A Pawtucket. The plan is for Drew to get around 25 at-bats overall.

Drew, who spent one season in Boston, turned down a $14.1 million offer from the Red Sox last year after helping the team capture their third title in 10 years.

His deal has a pro-rated $14 million salary.

Drew batted .253 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI in 124 games with Boston last season.

Also, the Red Sox recalled right-hander Alex Wilson from Pawtucket.