Is It Brandon Drury’s Time?

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That’s a question that has grown louder as the weeks has have gone by. Brandon Drury is currently on the fast track to the majors, showing great hitting abilities. With offensive struggles shifting from one middle infielder to another, the need for full competency in the lineup is still there. However, Drury’s primary position, third base, is currently stacked with Jake Lamb and Yasmany Tomas. So, is it his time?

As with all the articles that have donned Drury’s name, I feel inclined to include that he was part of the return from Atlanta in the Justin Upton trade. Drury can join Nick Ahmed, Randall Delgado and Martin Prado as players to make an impact in Arizona as a result of the trade.

Drafted in 2010, Drury has spent his first 4 seasons playing in A-level ball, with a cup of coffee in AA. Drury began the 2015 season in Mobile (AA). With the BayBears, he hit .278 with 3 homers and 36 RBI. He was selected to the Southern League All Star Game. In late June, Drury was rewarded with a call up to Reno (AAA). With the Aces, Drury is hitting .355 and has the same amount of walks as strikeouts (9) in 76 at bats.

Oct. 9, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Brandon Drury rounds the bases after hitting a home run as he plays for the Salt River Rafters against the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game at Cubs Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, in Arizona, Chris Owings‘ seat is getting hot. After hitting .261 with 6 homers and 26 RBI in 2014 during his rookie year, the 23-year old has struggled in 2015. Owings is hitting .227 with a couple of homeruns and 19 RBI. He’s struck out (80) more times than he’s collected hits (63). After Ahmed’s tumultuous start to 2015, there were questions about sending him to Reno. Now that Ahmed is performing, those questions are shifting to Owings.

A roster spot could soon open up for Drury and it might not even be Owings. Aaron Hill has lost any momentum to get regular playing time and has played almost exclusively against left handers. The 33-year old is hitting .211 with 4 homers and 22 RBI. With Hill being owed 12 million dollars next season and his unproductive year, he’ll be virtually impossible to move. Unless Arizona picks up some money on a deal, Drury won’t be in Arizona to replace Hill.

With Drury being on the 40-man roster, anyone that is sent down to the minors to accommodate the move won’t have to go through the ‘Designated For Assignment’ procedures. That’s an advantage that Jaime Romak doesn’t have. Romak will starting third base for the Pacific Coast League All Stars. Drury, 22, is 7 years younger than Romak, 29. So, do you think it’s Drury’s time.

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