Dustin Pedroia Won't Report to Red Sox Camp Due to Continual Knee Issues

With Mookie Betts now traded to Los Angeles, all focus in Boston Red Sox camp is set on the coming season. This includes the next steps for longtime second baseman Dustin Pedroia. So far, it's not looking good.

Interim manager Ron Roenicke said that after speaking with Pedroia on Wednesday evening, he won't report to Spring Training on Monday alongside fellow position players due to continual knee issues. Additionally he'll be working to deciding on his next steps.

Roenicke talked to Pedroia last night. Said he’s still sore and won’t report to camp with position players. Working to determine next step.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 13, 2020

Pedroia has had a difficult return to the diamond since the 2017 incident where then-Baltimore Orioles star Manny Machado slid into his left knee, causing severe cartilage damage.

Despite his positive outlook, Pedroia was limited to just nine games the past two seasons due to lingering knee issues. Things only got worse in 2020, as the second baseman suffered a "significant setback" in January during rehab, and his return to the team looks as bleak as ever.

Roenicke talked to Dustin Pedroia, who is still dealing with knee issues following his setback and won’t be reporting to Spring Training on Monday with the rest of the position players. #RedSox
— Joon Lee (@joonlee) February 13, 2020

Retirement has been brought up the past couple of years, but Pedroia downplayed the notion. But this latest setback at least puts this into consideration.

Who knows, maybe the Red Sox have Pedroia's replacement in recently acquired prospect Jeter Downs. But as of now, it will be Jose Peraza and Michael Chavis as the second basemen heading into Spring Training.