Report: Red Sox's Dustin Pedroia Suffers 'Significant Setback' with Knee Injury

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia's attempt to return to action has reportedly hit another snag.

According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, Pedroia suffered a "significant setback" in his recovery from a left knee injury and his availability for "at least spring training is questionable." Abraham added that Pedroia is discussing his options with his family, agents and team.

The 36-year-old has been ravaged by injuries in recent years, limiting him to three games in 2018 and six contests last season.

The knee issues began in 2016 and worsened in 2017 when he required cartilage restoration surgery. Knee inflammation and soreness then kept Pedroia out for nearly all of 2018, and the issues persisted last season.

In August, Pedroia underwent a joint preservation procedure, marking his fifth knee surgery.

At his best, Pedroia was an elite second baseman. He is a four-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner who was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and AL MVP in 2008.

Pedroia hit .326 with 17 home runs, 83 RBI, 118 runs scored and 20 stolen bases during his MVP season. He would go on to hit .290 or better in a season seven more times and hit at least 15 homers in a season four more times.

He also played a significant role in the Red Sox's 2007 and 2013 World Series titles, and although he barely played in 2018, he was part of his third World Series-winning team that year.

Pedroia most recently played a significant amount in 2017 when he appeared in 105 contests. He slashed .293/.369/.392 with seven home runs, 62 RBI and 46 runs, and showed he could still be a quality offensive contributor.

If Pedroia can somehow get healthy for the 2020 season, there is a chance he could be of use to a team that failed to reach the playoffs in 2019.

Boston's most obvious hole is at second base, as Jose Peraza is penciled in to start. Even if Pedroia heals, however, it is difficult to envision him as a full-time player in the field because of the impact his knee injuries have had on his mobility.

Perhaps Pedroia could play second base part time and DH when the Red Sox use J.D. Martinez in the outfield, but it is a moot point if his latest setback keeps him out long term or ends his career.

The Red Sox are in turmoil after they parted ways with manager Alex Cora amid Major League Baseball's sign-stealing scandal, and there is no telling when or if the calming presence of Pedroia will be back in the fold.