No matter what Dustin Pedroia’s heart is telling him, his body is saying that the Boston Red Sox legend needs to walk away.
No one will ever question Dustin Pedroia‘s heart. His determination and grittiness, his refusal to give up, and his determination to get everything he had out of his body made him an instant fan favorite with the Boston Red Sox faithful. As Pedroia became a star, he became one of those players that exemplified his region, a blue collar player that became a symbol of Boston.
While Pedroia may still have the heart and desire, his body appears to no longer be willing to listen. He suffered another setback with his troublesome left knee, with this latest issue being considered particularly significant.
Breaking news: #RedSox 2B Dustin Pedroia has suffered what sources say was a significant setback with his left knee.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) January 21, 2020
His availability for at least spring training is questionable. Pedroia is discussing his options with his family, agents, and the Sox.
It is certainly not news that Pedroia’s body has given out on him. He has played in a combined nine games for the Red Sox in the past two seasons, with three hits and three walks in 34 plate appearances. His once solid defense has also gone by the wayside, as he cost the Red Sox a run in just 55 innings.
If there is a positive for the Red Sox, it is that the setback happened when it did. While it was unlikely that Pedroia would have been a factor before June even if his rehab went perfectly, this gives Boston some clarity. Meanwhile, it is a time of reckoning for Pedroia, who is reportedly taking a few days to ponder his future.
As it stands, the Red Sox are still leaving the door open for Pedroia to return. Considering his stature with the franchise, and how they remain on the hook for another $25 million, Boston has no reason to tell him to stay home.
Of course, there may be another option. Pedroia certainly has the respect of the clubhouse and a good deal of gravitas around the game. Given the Red Sox uncertain managerial situation, he could be a potential fit as a coach, keeping him in the game and a part of the organization. Likewise, he could be an outside the box option as a manager, someone that could wash away the bad taste left by Alex Cora‘s dismissal.
Dustin Pedroia’s future is in doubt. The Boston Red Sox legend may want to keep playing, but his body has given out before his heart did.