FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Spring training games begin Friday, but Dustin Pedroia's 2019 debut is going to have to wait. The Red Sox want to hold Pedroia out for a while as a precaution for subjecting him to game action.
Pedroia underwent major surgery on his left knee in November of 2017, then underwent a follow-up procedure last August. He took part in just three games last season.
"I'm not campaigning,'' said Pedroia. "I'm trying to come back -- whatever it is, it is. I haven't missed anything, so that's good news. We have it all mapped out. That could change, based on stuff. There's not one way to do it. We're taking it one step at a time and if we have to adjust things, then we'll do that.
"Obviously, I want to play and get back into the rhythm. But I've played a lot of games. I understand the speed of the game and what it takes to play, so I'm not worried about that. Our concern is, physically, we want to make sure, 'My knee's OK,' because if my knee's OK, I'll be fine. That's what I do -- I play baseball.''
Manager Alex Cora has been keeping a close eye on Pedroia in workouts.
"He always asks for more (work),'' said Cora. "I like to be near his field because he'll try to get five more or 10 more (grounders or swings) and there's something about me telling him, 'No, that's it.' ''
Even as he limits his work, Cora has been impressed.
"It's a process, but he's moving well, swinging the bat well,'' Cora said. "He hasn't played in a while on a consistent basis and you have to train your eye, (work on) your load, get your feet under you and all that. But he's in a good place. He was driving the ball today. In live BP the other day, there were some close pitches that were balls and he was able to take them.
"He's in a good spot right now. We'll see where he's at (Friday). That's a big day. If he can show up (Friday) with no pain, no soreness, it's a win for him and obviously, it's a win for us.''
Said Pedroia: "Every day has been great and I've felt better the next day, so (you) just keep going.''
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