Red Sox: What does Dustin Pedroia’s latest knee surgery mean?
The Boston Red Sox have been without Dustin Pedroia since April and with another knee surgery under his belt, his playing future is still in heavy doubt.
It was announced on Wednesday by the Red Sox that veteran second baseman Dustin Pedroia had successfully undergone another knee surgery. This is Pedroia’s third surgery in the last two years to repair his damaged left knee. This latest procedure was done to more so improve the quality of life for Dustin than to speed up the possibility of a return.
It’s been a rollercoaster for Pedroia and his ailing knee as Red Sox Nation was hopeful for a return this season. But after several ups and downs during April both Dustin and the team decided it was a good idea to take a leave of absence and weigh the options. Since then we’ve heard very little from either side on the future of Dustin with the organization.
Alex Cora made it clear though that Pedroia wouldn’t be back in a Red Sox uniform this season but they haven’t ruled out 2020.
"“He’s going to go back home and see how it goes and how he feels and have rehab,” Cora said. “We haven’t gotten to that point (of discussing 2020). He’s going to rehab in Arizona. Let’s see where it takes us. That’s basically where we’re at right now.”"
The surgery that was done on the knee this week is known as a “joint preservation procedure.” Just as the name indicates the purpose of the procedure is to try and ease pain in the joint and aid in the quality of life for the patient. With the cartilage surgery back in 2017 and the scope he got on the knee last summer, it feels like they’re trying everything to avoid the full replacement.
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Luckily for the Red Sox, the future is bright at second base with both Marco Hernandez and Michael Chavis showing that they’re more than capable of carrying the mantle. There’s also the possibility of re-signing Brock Holt in free agency this winter. So there’s no rush to get Pedroia back onto the field. There may be some anxiousness on the side of Boston as Dustin is collecting a hefty paycheck while he’s away.
"“It’s something to ease the pain or put the pain away,” Cora said. “It’s just another step to see if he can feel better and see where it takes us. I haven’t talked to him. He was in contact with Brad; I was actually planning on talking to him more. As you guys know, he’s going to keep trying to find ways to make this happen. We’ll see where it goes.”"
This latest procedure completely wipes out a possibility of a return for 2019 but it does leave the door open a crack for 2020. We’ve seen how his knee has held up after the last two surgeries so I’m not the most optimistic, but the fan in me would love to see Dustin back in a Red Sox uniform. I for one would like to see Dustin join the coaching staff when he does finally decide to hang up his cleats.
dark. Next. Stop sending Marco Hernandez to Triple-A
Dustin Pedroia has been a key member of the Red Sox organization for his entire career. This latest procedure is an attempt to hopefully continue that legacy. With the future still uncertain as to whether he’ll play again this may just be another Hail Mary to get him back on the field. In the grand scheme of things if the surgery gives him a better quality of life then I’m all for it.