Pedroia nears return with big test to come Wednesday

TORONTO – Dustin Pedroia has been rehabbing in stealth mode, getting his work in early and dutifully avoiding the spotlight and questions from reporters.

However, it turns out that he may be a lot closer to returning to the Red Sox lineup than anyone suspected after a second stint on the DL with left knee inflammation.



Pedroia ran the bases at about half-speed early Tuesday afternoon and run again at full-speed Wednesday. If he comes through that test without incident, it’s possible – likely, even – that he could return to the Sox as early as Thursday or Friday.

“I’m just building up right now,’’ Pedroia said, “with every day getting better and whenever I build up enough, I’ll be able to play…If all goes good (Wednesday), hopefully I’ll be out there (in games later this week).’’

Pedroia has been through all of this before, of course. He was on the DL earlier this month with the same inflammation of the left knee. He was activated, took part in one game as the DH and was placed back on the DL again just days later.

This time, Pedroia wants to make sure he’s fully healthy and doesn’t risk another step backward. But he feels far better than he did when he last returned.

“It’s a lot better,’’ Pedroia said. “Some time and rehab (have helped).  We’re trying to do everything we can to get it better and make sure that when I’m back out there, I stay there. We’re doing a good job and testing it every way we can before I get out there.’’

Pedroia appears to want no part of a rehab assignment – his last one was in 2010 – and has been ramping up baseball activities in the last week, including batting practice.

“Just go compete,’’ said Pedroia. “I’m not a big believer in ‘Oh, your timing’s off’ or anything like that once you get into the box. I’ve had, what, 5,000 at-bats to get my timing down; if I don’t have it by now, I’m never going to get it. If they want me (to go on a rehab), I will. But I’m ready to go and compete when I’m healthy.’’

John Farrell also suggested that the Sox weren’t inclined to send Pedroia on a rehab assignment.

“By rule, he’s not required to,’’ the manager said. “And we also know that we’re in the throes of a pennant race, so performance and production is key.

And, as Pedroid made clear, running the bases at game speed is the last hurdle to clear.

“That’s the last step,’’ he said. “Running the bases is the last thing. All the other stuff, I’ve done and tested it and it’s been good. So (Wednesday) is a big day.’’