Boston Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia pauses rehab assignment

Once again, Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has been shut down with an injury.

It has been a rough few seasons for Dustin Pedroia on the injury front. The Boston Red Sox second baseman has appeared in over 110 games just once in the last five seasons, doing so in 2015. And yet, Pedroia continues to attempt to come back to the diamond, his gritty, driven personality sending him onward.

Unfortunately, his body is not responding as it once was. That includes his latest attempt to return to the majors, which has been paused due to knee soreness.

Over the course of his eight minor league games prior to this latest setback, Pedroia had seven hits, including a double, in 27 plate appearances. He had drawn two walks and struck out only three times while appearing to be on course to return to the majors.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

While this setback is considered minor, it underscores the question of whether or not the Red Sox can rely upon the oft-injured second baseman. His style of play, where he leaves everything upon the diamond, made him a fan favorite, but it has also contributed to his fragility in recent years.

However, there is no denying Pedroia’s place in Red Sox history. He ranks in the top ten in hits, runs, steals, and doubles. Pedroia is also 15th in team history with 725 RBI, and 18th with 140 homers. He has been a four time All Star, a four time Gold Glove winner, and won the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year and 2008 AL MVP awards.

There is certainly no question as to what Pedroia has meant to the Red Sox over the years. He was a key part of two World Series winning teams, a player who became the heart and soul of the franchise. Watching him limp to the finish line of what has been a storied career is just as frustrating for him as it is for the fans.

Dustin Pedroia has had a great career with the Boston Red Sox. Hopefully, it will be able to end on his terms.