Dustin Pedroia played five innings in his first rehab start for Double-A Portland on Thursday. The second baseman went 0-for-3 for the Sea Dogs, who had five hits as a team in the 10-1 loss to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Mets).
Pedroia also made four plays at second base, starting a double play in one instance. Pedroia told reporters he will take Friday off and play again for Portland on Saturday.
“You can only do what you can do, you know what I mean?” Pedroia said. “That’s about it. I just put my head down and work and then do the best I can and try to be out there. It’s been a long process, so hopefully by the end of this rehab assignment we’re over it and I can be out there and do what I love doing.
“I hope my knee holds up because I’m still good. It’s just making sure that my knee can withstand being a Major League player. That’s what we’re hoping. We need a little luck.”
Pedroia last appeared for the big league club on April 17. He played six games from April 9-17 and had two hits in 20 at-bats, both coming in his first two games.