Boston Red Sox Second Basemen Dustin Pedroia Positive Prior To Rehab Appearance With The Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox
Boston Red Sox second basemen Dustin Pedroia talked prior to his rehab start with the Pawtucket Red Sox on Monday night. Pedroia talked on a variety of topics including how he feels now compared to last season, his schedule going forward, and the process of rehabbing his knee.
Check out the transcription below or watch the video above for the full experience.
What has the process been like?
It’s been long, there has been some tough days and things like that but I am excited to be out playing and to work my way back.
What has it been like to be back on the field?
Tonight’s my first real game, You know I was playing in some extended games and it was more of a controlled setting so I am looking forward to it. Getting into the lights and getting back into it.
How hard has it been to get amped up for 11 am games?
It’s a part of it, I think it’s hard when you aren’t playing. You get something taken away from you that you have done your whole life. It doesn’t matter what time the game is or how hot it is, or who you are playing with. You are excited to be on the field. Those games there, I play the same way if I’m in Boston. I enjoy playing, I’m happy to be back. Looking forward to getting back to Boston.
Has the surgery been helpful?
Kind of everyday life man, I don’t hurt all the time and things like that. So I am moving around real good, running well down the line, things like that. This is obviously a first step. It’s more for me than anyone else knowing that mentally I am ok and back to normal.
What side of the game poised the biggest challenge?
Probably the running part, because that was a big thing that we were careful of early on. So it was just building up, running and getting strong, there are so many steps you have to go through with this. Some days it’s pretty tough. So I am looking forward to it.
Any issues now?
No I am fine now man. I don’t have any issues. I think the work we overcame to get to this point, that’s the reason why. So, you are going to see the same guy you have seen play for however many years I played so that’s it.
Has this been the hardest surgery to come back from?
Yeah, I mean it’s a pretty tough surgery to have. You know, it’s kind of the cards that you are dealt. You don’t plan on certain things happening, so if they do happen, you just have to try and do the best you can.
How does it feel to play in a real game?
I’m excited, it’s different, it’s been a long time. This whole process, it’s been hard. When I was in Flordia for a month, by myself, in a hotel, so there has been some tough days but I am excited to see some guys and just play baseball.
Has your perspective on risking long-term career changed?
Yeah, a lot of things have changed. My outlook on baseball and a lot of things. I was in extended playing in 10 o’clock games in 100-degree weather. And everyone is like “oh this sucks” but I’m like “Man oh, it really does suck. You are playing baseball, you should enjoy it. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like or the time or what. Becuase someone could take it away from you real quick. Then you have to complain about something else.
Suprised by the job Alex Cora has done so far?
No, not surprised, we got a great team. The guys have been playing great. They are killing my sleep schedule when I was in Florida I will tell you that. Got to get up early and I’m staying up late. They have been great and Alex, he’s been great. Always communicating and letting everyone know what is expected out of them. So, it’s been awesome.
Does Cora expect anything out of Pedroia? Has he talked to him about it?
I mean, does he need to tell me that? (Laughing and looking around), No we haven’t had that conversation. I have been around a long time. Guys know what I bring to the team and I have been in contact with all of them even when I haven’t been there. I am looking forward to getting back and being with them and helping out.
Has Cora allowed players to take more time to get back than John Farrell?
No, not really. Our training staff has kind of mapped out a plan of what we are trying to do. Followed it every step, you know it. Every now and then I will give them my input on an exercise or things like that. But as for the timeframe, it’s been what’s mapped out by the Red Sox and the doctor that did my surgery and that’s been it. So whatever they have told me to do I try to attack that and this is the part where I am supposed to start playing. So I am here
What is your schedule?
I think I am playing the next two days, and then I am not playing Wednesday or Thursday, and then I think I am playing three in a row. Like there isn’t going to be a “oh I play and then off and see” you know what I mean? My knee, knock on wood, if I get through this, this is the last step. A test if my knee is back to normal. I am pretty excited.
