Cards Notebook: Drew, wearing his new ankle brace, doubles as a pinch-hitter
By Joe Strauss
03/08/2002


JUPITER, Fla. - Right fielder J.D. Drew returned to action Friday sporting a protective lightweight brace around his twice-sprained left ankle.

The new sensation around his ankle didn't stop an old one with his bat, as Drew produced a first-swing double upon entering the game as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning.

Drew was fitted for the device after spraining the ankle last weekend for the second time since arriving early to camp. Rather than use an air cast, Drew will sport a less-cumbersome sock-like contraption that is strapped around the area for support.

Drew said he will wear the device all season. Depending on its level of comfort, the right fielder said he may wear an identical support on his right ankle, which has also given him problems in the past. Drew's concerns don't concern the weight of the device but the likelihood that it will cause the area to sweat profusely after extended wear.

While Drew has experienced ankle sprains throughout his professional career, he emphasized that using the brace does not suggest postseason surgery.

"That would be an option if it were three or four grades worse than this," he said. "The ligament isn't stretched to that degree. The brace is to keep it from getting to that stage."

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