Dustin Pedroia Still ‘Not Ruling Out’ Playing Again After Knee Surgery

We haven’t seen much of Dustin Pedroia on a baseball field the past two season, but the Boston Red Sox veteran is not ruling out a return to the diamond.

Pedroia shut down his season back in June, electing to get away from the team as he continues to rehab his surgically-repaired knee. The 36-year-old noted that his surgery was a major one to improve quality of life, not necessarily get him back on the field.

He told reporters Thursday in Colorado while he visits with the team during their series against the Rockies that he is expecting that he will need a full knee replacement at some point, but he is “not ruling out” playing again. In the meantime, Pedroia remains on crutches before starting a 12-week rehab program and expects to have a better idea on his future then.

Pedroia has played in a total of nine games over the past two seasons. Whether his comeback attempt succeeds or fails, it’s been a valiant effort. But you certainly can’t blame the second baseman should he put his quality of life ahead of his playing career.