Boston Red Sox Second Basemen Dustin Pedroia Takes Important Steps In First Rehab With Triple-A Pawtucket
Boston Red Sox second basemen Dustin Pedroia took some important steps in his rehab appearance on Monday with the Pawtucket Red Sox.
Dustin Pedroia’s first rehab game for Pawtucket was a success on the field with only 1 defensive opportunity and a 1-for-3 hit line with plenty of running around to test his knee.
Of course he would have liked a few more looks on defense, but overall he was happy with the game.
“First game in a long time so, everything felt great. So, I am pretty happy” Pedroia said after the game.
Pedroia Gets Three At-Bats, Storyline Here Is He Got To Run The Bases Plenty
Pedroia who is entering his 13th Major League season batted third in the order and went 1-for-3 with a single to right field being his only hit. The 34-year-old second basemen was able to run with Pedroia going station to station in the 4th and had to run down the line in his other two at-bats.
1st at-bat, in the bottom of the 1st inning
Pedroia saw three pitches in his first at-bat. All three were low 90’s fastballs with Pedroia hitting the third pitch to middle right-center field for the third out of the inning.
Pedroia took the first two pitches with the first being on the outside part of the plate for a strike and the second pitch being away for a 1-1 count before flying out to Ian Parmley in right.
2nd at-bat, in the bottom of the 4th, led off
In his second at-bat, Pedroia faced five pitches, 2 fastballs, and 3 off-speed pitches.
Pedroia hit a 90 mph fastball on the 5th pitch of the at-bat and check-swinged for a single into right-center field. A single by Rusney Castillo and a walk by Sam Travis behind him allowed Pedroia to test his knee running over to second base and then third base.
With the bases loaded Pedroia was forced to sprint to home plate with Ramon Flores putting a ball into play that scored Pedroia from third base.
Despite getting to run around the bases Pedroia didn’t think it was that big of a deal.
Yeah but I did that in Florida, a lot. So I wasn’t worried about that.
Third at-bat, the bottom of the 5th
Pedroia got his third and final at-bat in the bottom of the 5th inning with the Red Sox second basemen seeing three straight fastballs.
In his third at-bat, Pedroia grounded out to second base to end the inning.
Not Enough Looks Defensively For Pedroia, Likely Not To Get Any On Tuesday
Pedroia’s first action of the game came with 1-out in the first inning with Devon Travis popping up to short right field causing Pedroia to back peddle into the outfield snagging the second out in the inning. The veteran second basemen looked fairly comfortable making the play.
That was the only action he got in the field and with Pedey slated to be the DH on Tuesday, he likely will have to settle with taking grounders during pre-game until he sees the field presumably this weekend at some point.
Being a four-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner, most amongst Red Sox infielders, his defense isn’t a big concern. But more looks to test te knee could prove useful.
Pedroia Looked Good In First Rehab Action With Pawtucket
“I thought he looked good.” said PawSox Manager Kevin Boles post-game.” I thought he did a really nice job.. he was in his uniform and hour and a half before the game and he was ready to rock. Had a real good workout, after the game said he felt fine, said everything looked good. Postive day for him.”
Offical Plan Going Forward Unknown, But Pedroia Sheds Some Light
Pedroia has been playing in extended spring training away from fans and other players and prior to the game, he mentioned the excitement of playing in a professional game in front of actual fans.
It appears that PawSox fans did not disappoint.
Yeah it was fun, and they had the band going and everything. That was pretty cool. No, it was fun, just getting out there and playing throwing balls in-between innings. Just the little things that you miss so it was cool.
Post-game Pedroia was asked a question regarding a timetable going back to Boston, on that Pedroia said “No, I’m following the plan that they put together so whatever they have planned I will do that.”
Prior to the game though Pedroia did lay out what the plan for the next week or so will be for him.
I think I am playing the next two days, and then I am not playing Wednesday or Thursday, and then I think I am playing three in a row. Like there isn’t going to be a “oh I play and then off and see” you know what I mean? My knee, knock on wood, if I get through this, this is the last step. A test if my knee is back to normal. I am pretty excited.
As far as if he is ahead of schedule in terms of a rehab. Pedroia gave a resounding yes amidst laughter with the second basemen’s recovery from knee surgery being well ahead of schedule.
Yes, I am like four months ahead of schedule. I think the quickest one to come back from this is 11 months. So I am at almost 7, we will keep building and pretty exicted. It’s been a long time, watched a lot of games, and it’s fun to go out there and play.
Dustin Pedroia will be back in Pawtucket on Tuesday. He is scheduled to play 9 full innings as the team’s DH.
