Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia is nearing a return from the disabled list
Boston Red Sox leader and second baseman, Dustin Pedroia, may finally be nearing a return from the disabled list after missing most of August due to a knee injury.
The Boston Red Sox haven’t had Dustin Pedroia in their lineup since August 8th against the Tampa Bay Rays. Prior to that though, Pedroia was on the disabled list from July 29th to August 8th with left knee inflammation. Currently, he’s on the disabled list with the same diagnosis and has been since August 12th (retroactive to August 9th).
However, the Red Sox are happy to announce that Pedroia may be nearing a return to baseball activities soon. Pedroia has been working out at Fenway Park, like David Price has, while the Red Sox are at Progressive Field in their four-game series against the Cleveland Indians. The Red Sox dropped game one in extra innings but rallied in game two to win 9-1 behind a one-hit complete-game performance by Doug Fister, who happens to be filling in for the injured Price.
“He’s in the phase right now where it is more change of direction,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said about Pedroia’s workouts. “It’s more ground based. It’s kind of loading up the knee with the work that he’s going through. So it’s going to replicate some of the movements of defensive work.”
More from Red Sox News
- Giants’ desperation post-Carlos Correa debacle highlights Red Sox’ lack of urgency
- Dave Dombrowski reunites with former Red Sox ace on Phillies
- 10 grievances against the Boston Red Sox in honor of Seinfeld holiday Festivus
- Red Sox risk repeating rookie mistake with Eric Hosmer release
- Former MLB All-Star slams Red Sox for ’embarrassing’ treatment of Rafael Devers
Pedroia has basically been replaced by Eduardo Nunez at second base during his disabled list time. Nunez was acquired in late July and has mainly covered second base in Pedroia’s absence while rookie Rafael Devers continues to play a strong third base and hit well.
Nunez has had 97 at-bats as a member of the Red Sox and batted .330/.356/.557 and has knocked in 18 RBI over 21 games. His power has been a bit of a surprise since he has now hit 5 homers, including one last night, compared to the 4 that he managed as a member of the San Francisco Giants through 76 games.
In his work outs, the Red Sox had Pedroia doing some lateral and change-of-direction type drills in order to simulate some fielding situations and positions. He also ran on an AlterG treadmill which is a special low-gravity treadmill used for rehabilitation of an individual’s lower half.
“Which reduces some of the normal body weight,” Farrell stated regarding the AlterG treadmill. “So it was a productive day for him.”
Next: Happy Birthday Carl Yastrzemski
Regardless, the BoSox would love for Pedroia to come back but there is no need to rush him with Nunez and Devers playing well. Pedroia’s health and experience will be vital to the team’s postseason play. His leadership is also missed but make no mistake, Pedroia is one of the best hitting second baseman when healthy and the team will need that in October.