Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia won’t be playing baseball anymore this year. Red Sox’ manager Alex Cora confirmed this to the reporters before the Friday’s game with the Houston Astros. Pedroia, who was dealing with knee issues through the entire season, played only three games in MLB this year.
“We went through all the steps during the whole year … But we ran out of time. We’ve got to take care of the individual. … He’s OK with the decision … He’ll be ready for next year, no doubt about it,” – Cora told reporters.
Dustin Pedroia started Red Sox’s 2018 season on the disabled list after knee surgery in late 2017. He returned to the active roster in May, but after playing three games, he was deactivated due to inflammation in the left knee. The 35-year-old then underwent additional arthroscopic surgery in July and was reportedly making good progress.
“He’s saying that he’s getting close but he’s not there. He understands that there’s no other place to build up, get innings, get at-bats, running the bases,” – Cora added.
Despite his inability to contribute, Pedroia will stay with the team until the end of the regular season and maybe even for the Red Sox’ playoff run.
Dustin Pedroia spent his entire MLB career with the Boston Red Sox, making his debut in 2006. During his 13 years in the league, Pedroia won two World Series with the Red Sox while receiving four All-Star selections and being named 2008 AL Most Valuable Player award winner in the process. He also earned four Gold Glove Awards and a one Silver Slugger award.
Pedroia’s MLB career stats include .300 batting average, 140 home runs, and 724 RBI.
