John Farrell Doesn't Rule Out Shutting Down Dustin Pedroia For Season
BOSTON (CBS) -- Dustin Pedroia is out of the Red Sox' lineup on Tuesday night. That may become a common theme over the final few weeks of the regular season.
Manager John Farrell revealed that Pedroia underwent an MRI on Tuesday, and the results showed that the inflammation in the second baseman's left hand and wrist has worsened. Pedroia has dealt with injuries in that area for much of the year, but the fact that the situation appears to be worsening is enough to give the team pause.
"He's been banged up a little bit, and [he's been] able to manage it to a certain extent while still playing. As it continues to worsen a little bit, we've backed him off," Farrell said.
When asked if Pedroia could be shut down for the remainder of the regular season, Farrell didn't rule it out as an option.
"I wouldn't rule that out, but it's too premature to make a final decision on that right now," Farrell said, noting that more information is being gathered.
"Could be. There's further information being gathered. But right now, he's not in the lineup tonight," Farrell said.
Pedroia spoke about the possibility of being shut down following Boston's 4-1 loss to Baltimore.
"I could rest, continue to play or (have) surgery. There's three things we can do. We'll come up with a plan the best we can that's best for the team," Pedroia said.
As for if that decision might be made, Farrell said it's one Pedroia wouldn't make for himself.
"With Dustin, it gets to the point of kind of taking the decision out of his hands, because he does want to continue to play," Farrell said. "It hasn't been determined if he were to continue to play, does it put him at further risk? I don't think the medical staff is saying that he's at further risk. It's to the point where the discomfort is there and we're taking some time now to just gather all the information and lay out the best plan going forward for him.
"His long-term health is the most important thing, and that will always be kept in the forefront."
Pedroia, 31, is no stranger to hand/wrist injuries. He suffered a torn thumb ligament on opening day last season but played through it all the way through the World Series. He underwent surgery following the year, but the shortened offseason (thanks to the long postseason run) limited his recovery time. He's seen his OPS drop steadily over the past three seasons, and Farrell admitted that such grip issues very likely played a factor.
"Oh, it's had an impact. There's no doubt," Farrell said. "To what extent, it's hard to say, but like I said, he's dealt with this for some time."
Pedroia has played in 135 of the team's 144 games this season. He's batting .278, 21 points lower than his career .299 average, with seven home runs.
Tuesday night on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Adam Jones and Rich Keefe discussed the Pedroia decision.
Listen below:
Should The Red Sox Shut Down Pedroia?
MORE RED SOX COVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON
