McAdam: Dustin Pedroia plans to go home, evaluate career options

Dustin Pedroia didn't announce his retirement Monday.

He did everything but.

At a news conference at which he was joined by Dave Dombrowski and Alex Cora, Pedroia revealed that he was "stepping back'' indefinitely from his ongoing rehab program and next week will rejoin his family in Arizona "to do a little reflection, re-evaluate, chill out and see how everything responds.''

Pedroia, who underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee in October of 2016, had been on a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket, but had to cut short his appearance in a game Friday and was scratched from the lineup Saturday.

He played in just three games in 2018, and after being activated for the home opener, appeared in six more before going back on the injured list. He since has had two separate rehab assignments in the minors, neither of which went well.



Pedroia appeared downcast as he answered questions from reporters, and at times, the mood was somber as he, Cora and Dombrowski spoke of the infield's career in the past tense.

That all stood in contrast to the almost defiant stance Pedroia took earlier this month following a similar setback, when he vowed he would soon return to the major league team and playing again on a full-time basis.

"It's weird, man,'' said Pedroia. "Some days, I feel fine. And then an hour later, I try walking and it's tough. You guys probably caught me at a time when I felt good. And that's the tough part at this level -- you play 162 games in 183 days, or whatever it is. And if I'm on an hour-to-hour basis (when it comes to) being able to do anything athletically, that's tough. I think the time will give me the right answer if my knee can do this.''

Before making any determination about his future, Pedroia, he needs a break -- both mentally and physically -- from the demands of his rehab effort.

"I haven't had a day off in a long time,'' he said. "Everyday I wake up and do some sort of rehab to do anything. I just know that right now, I need a break from the everyday stresses of dealing with what I'm dealing with. And that's it.''

Cora, who was teammates with Pedroia from 2006-2008, called Pedroia "a special player ... I love his family and he loves my family ... I do care about Dustin as a player, but I care the most about Dustin the player. ... For him to disconnect from the whole grind for a little bit, is the best thing not only for him, but his family, too.''

Dombrowski labeled Pedroia "a Boston legend'' and saluted him "as one of the most respected players in the game since I've been in it.'' He also lauded the dedication Pedroia has shown in his long rehab battle.

"What he's gone through over the last few years,'' said Dombrowski, "I don't know if there's another player I've been around in baseball that would give the effort that he's given to try to get back. We'll see what ends up happening, but I think it's a wise decision to step back at this time and worry about Dustin the person and not the player.''

Dombrowski added that, regardless of what happens, the Red Sox want Pedroia to remain with the organization "for years to come.''