The Washington Nationals closed a major hole in their bench Thursday re-signing Stephen Drew for another year.
Drew, and the Nats, agreed on the reunion for one-year and $3.5 million and incentives totalling $1.2 million. Drew, 34 when the season begins, starts his 12th year with long stops with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox on his resume.
Able to handle the entire infield, his return gives the Nats options in spelling shortstop Trea Turner and second baseman Daniel Murphy when needed. If first baseman Ryan Zimmerman needs rest or is injured, Murphy can slider over to first as the experienced Drew can fill the role at second.