FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When the Red Sox have their first full-squad workout Monday under the direction of new manager Ron Roenicke, they'll do so without the presence of Dustin Pedroia.
Pedroia remains home in Arizona dealing with a knee that has undergone multiple surgical procedures. He told Roenicke Wednesday that he would not be reporting to camp anytime soon.
The veteran infielder has played just nine games in the last two seasons and it would seem that he has played his last game. At some point in the next few weeks or months, it appears likely that Pedroia will announce that he can no longer play, resulting in the Red Sox releasing him.
They will remain obligated to pay him $25 million -- $13 million this season and $12 million in 2021.
"He's still sore, so the setback is still there,'' said Roenicke. "He won't be here Monday. He's just going to evaluate what happens here. He's going to continue to talk to the people in Arizona and (the training staff here) to figure out what the next step is and where he goes.''
Roenicke isn't assuming that Pedroia's comeback has reached a final roadblock, but wishes he had seen him on the field more the last two years.
"He's a special player,'' Roenicke said. "It's not just (being an) MVP. It's just watching the way he plays -- the energy he brings to a team, just doing things the right play, playing the great defense, getting on base, slapping the ball to right field when he needs to, and driving the ball when he needs to.
"It was never comfortable on the other side, having to face him, especially when the game was on the line. Whenever you see a great player with an injury who has not been able to perform....that part is really difficult.''
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