The Red Sox are hoping for a boost from the longtime face of their ball club.
After nearly a year on the injured list, Dustin Pedroia (knee) was penciled into Boston’s lineup for the team’s home opener Tuesday afternoon against the Blue Jays.
The 35-year-old second baseman, who was limited to just three games last season, was slated to bat seventh as the Red Sox raised their most recent World Series banner.
Though still very early, the Red Sox (3-8) don’t look in line to repeat, a feat last accomplished by the 1998-2000 Yankees.
Boston’s hyped-up rotation has been lackluster, while 2018 playoff hero Brock Holt and Eduardo Nunez haven’t produced much from second base. The two have combined for just six hits in 50 plate appearances (.120).
Pedroia is coming off a three-game rehab stint with Greenville Drive (Single-A), going 3-for-9 with a couple of walks and one strikeout.
“I’m pretty confident that I’m going to be back for good and it’s going to be fun,” Pedroia recently told WSPA-TV in Greenville. “Everything went perfect. I feel great. I’m ready to go.”