Red Sox dugout news: Dustin Pedroia optimistic he’ll be good to go by Opening Day
Boston Red Sox veteran second baseman Dustin Pedroia is eyeing to return to be ready for Opening Day following offseason knee surgery.
The Boston Red Sox may get their veteran starting second baseman back sooner rather than later.
Following offseason knee surgery, Dustin Pedroia says he could actually be ready by the time Opening Day comes around. The man known as the “Laser Show” made his proclamation in an appearance on the Bradfo Sho podcast.
"“That’s the difference of having my knee fixed than to when it wasn’t fixed – I couldn’t hit any miles per hour,” Pedroia told podcast host Rob Bradford. “I couldn’t make gains because physically my knee was blowing out. I could only get to a point to where I could last a four-hour game. Now, I am getting ready for 162 [games] plus the playoffs. That is my mindset and that is how I feel. My legs are strong again.”"
Pedroia went on to say that he is hoping to get clearance from the medical staff to start running and “get after it” next Wednesday. That would give the self-proclaimed leader time to be ready for spring training.
Replacements in case Pedroia is not ready
If, however, there is any type of setback, the Boston Red Sox should be prepared to have a replacement for Dustin Pedroia. If the team does not re-sign Eduardo Nunez, the best bet could be Marco Hernandez.
The promising young infielder is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery, but should be healthy and ready to go by spring training. While he doesn’t have as much experience as Nunez, the way he impressed the team on the field as a rookie in 2016 and in spring training in 2017 should earn him the nod.
With a little pop in his bat, Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski certainly believes he is the best option.
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"“We think he’s healthy, we think he’s ready to go,” Dombrowski said in December, via MassLive.com. “Our people have assured me that they think he’ll be ready. It shouldn’t affect his performance. In fact, he should be better in many ways because his shoulder won’t be bothering him.”"
Other options include Brock Holt, Tzu-Wei Lin, Deven Marrero and interestingly Blake Swihart.
Swihart willing to play anywhere
Once touted as a top prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization, things haven’t gone exactly as expected for Blake Swihart. Much of that has been a result of injuries. Just as the team haven’t given up on him, he is not giving up on etching a role on the big team.
According to a report by Peter Gammons, the club wants to see if he could play some second base. As evident by his previous experiment in the outfield, Swihart is willing to try some infield as well.
"“I’ll play anywhere they need or want me,” Swihart said, via Gammons. “I’m planning to work at my catching, at first, second, third and the outfield until I get to spring training.”"
Next: The 5 Boston Red Sox with the most to prove in 2018
This season could be Swihart’s last chance to prove himself within the Boston Red Sox organization. He has been rumored in trade talks for the past few seasons.