The Boston Red Sox are one step closer to getting arguably their biggest infield defensive asset back on the diamond.
Manager Alex Cora said before Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays that second baseman Dustin Pedroia will begin running the bases Tuesday, a big test in his recovery from the cartilage restoration surgery on his knee that he underwent early this past offseason.
Given the nature of the ailment, Tuesday will be a big day because it will test his explosiveness and ability to make both broad and sharp turns.
“Run progression is always the one,” Cora told reporters, via MassLive. “He’s been hitting for a month already and taking ground balls now. He’s at full blast. We avoided ground balls at Tropicana Field for obvious reasons. But he’s moving well, he’s going side to side and turning both ways. Now it’s all about running and we’ll go from there.”
Pedroia clearly was not himself at the end of last season due to all the pain in his knee. But with the re-signing of utility infielder Eduardo Nunez — who has occupied Pedroia’s spot at second to begin the season — it has given the 34-year-old time to do his due diligence in rehabilitating the injury and not rushing back.
The four-time Gold Glove winner played in 105 regular-season games last year after playing in 154 in 2016.
