HOUSTON -- Dustin Pedroia knew there were going to be days like these. He's just banking on them not coming around quite this frequently.
Just minutes before the start of the Red Sox' series-opener against the Astros, it was announced Pedroia was being scratched from the starting lineup due to left knee soreness. The second baseman, of course, has just started his return from knee surgery, playing in three games since his return Saturday. He appeared in just one of the three contests against the Blue Jays in the teams' recent series at Fenway Park.
Prior to Thursday night's game, Pedroia explained where he was at in regards to his surgically-repaired knee.
"It's only going to get better. It's still pretty early," he told WEEI.com. "There are going to be days I'm sore. There have been. That's normal. It usually takes a lot longer than seven months. That's why the trainers have to be smart and I have to tell them when I'm sore."
Asked if he is better about being honest regarding the need to draw back on playing time if need be, Pedroia said, "I have to be. I don't have a choice. If I come in and my knee is sore I have to get off of it otherwise if I play it will be really sore and I won't be able to play."
Pedroia could be seen running sprints in the outfield by himself just moments before the change in the Red Sox' lineup was made.
Taking Pedroia's place at second base was Brock Holt, who originally was slated to start in right field in the place of Mookie Betts. Blake Swihart got the start in right field.
