Dustin Pedroia is rehabbing from a knee injury that sidelined him for all but three games last season. So far, the process has been slow, but he and the Boston Red Sox are trying to be patient.
And now, it seems that the methodical approach could carry over into the start of the season.
Per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, Pedroia is going to play an extended amount on Saturday. He'll get five innings and three at-bats ahead of a key decision about whether or not he will start the season on the active roster.
If Pedroia isn't ready, he could start the season in extended spring training, per Sean McAdam of The Boston Sports Journal. That would afford the Red Sox an opportunity to carry an extra pitcher on the roster.
Pedroia's performance on Saturday will do a lot to determine whether he will be ready to start the season. If he plays well with minimal setbacks, he could be deemed ready. Still, given the abundance of caution the Red Sox have used in managing his injury this spring training, it wouldn't be a surprise for them to keep Pedroia, who turns 36 in August, off the field until the team deems him ready to play.
Additionally, the Red Sox have question marks in their bullpen after losing Joe Kelly to free agency and letting Craig Kimbrel walk. So, carrying some extra pitching help could benefit the team early in the season as they try to figure out their bullpen.
Boston Red Sox
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