HOUSTON -- A test of the Red Sox’ depth perception is underway.
If management harbors any regret when it comes to the timing of Dustin Pedroia’s return or Hanley Ramirez’s release, manager Alex Cora did not indicate as much Saturday afternoon.
In a 24-hour span, Ramirez became a free agent while Mookie Betts and Pedroia both went on the disabled list. Both have health situations that are hard to predict: inflammation in a surgically repaired left knee for Pedroia and a strained abdominal muscle for Betts. The latter, if aggravated, could mean a really long absence for Betts. And Pedroia’s knee will be an ever-present concern as long as he’s playing.
Ramirez, reportedly an Orioles target, may not produce much the rest of the season. But as of Saturday, he would be closer to a sure thing for the Sox offense in 2018 than Sam Travis.
“I think actually versatility-wise, we’re good right now,” Cora said when asked about Ramirez. “He’s a good player. But as far as the roster right now, I’m glad we have [Eduardo] Nunez, we have [Brock] Holt, Sam can play the outfield, he can play first. J.D. can play the outfield. Versatility-wise, we’re good right now.”
Versatility is great, but runs are most important.
Boston Red Sox
Pedroia played just three games for the Red Sox since being activated from the disabled list. More about Pedroia may be known with a visit to his surgeon in New York this week.
“He's actually flying tomorrow and getting some treatment on Monday [in Boston], and then we'll decide if he has to go back to New York to see the doctor,” Cora said. “Most likely that'll be the case during the week, and we'll go from there.”
Pedroia’s rehab stint with Triple-A Pawtucket wasn’t extensive, just five games, none of them longer than seven innings. He played back-to-back games twice, May 18-19 and May 23-24.
“Sometimes, I was talking to [head athletic trainer Brad Pearson] about it, in basketball, you can actually kind of like, take care of the guys,” Cora said. “Like, you say, ‘This guy is going to play 15 minutes. That’s it.’ Here, you play nine innings, it might be three hours, four hours.”
Cora could theoretically pull Pedroia late in games, but Pedroia’s so strong defensively that it would be hard to do. Perhaps in blowouts it would make some sense.
Pedroia saw game action in a controlled environment in Florida as well.
“You guys only saw the minor league rehab,” Cora said. “What he was doing in Fort Myers, that was good. ... He was telling me, and I was like, 'Wow, that’s a lot.
"He was fine. It was just a matter that, he didn’t bounce back the way he wanted. He felt it. I think mentally, he was a little bit beat down.”
Pedroia's taken a long road to get back. The Sox certainly need him and Betts, and how well the Sox can adjust in their absences is to be seen.
