The Laser Show Has Come to an End

      With a nagging left knee injury, it appears Dustin "Laser Show" Pedroia may have played his last game for the Boston Red Sox. The highly popular and hugely productive second baseman has been dealing with an knee injury for a couple of seasons now. After and excellent 2016 season for Dustin, the Red Sox endured a quick 3 game sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Indians. Following the early playoff exit, Pedroia had surgery on the left knee in mid-October. At the time, Dustin and the organization had no idea about the troubles yet to come.

     Dustin was available to start the 2017 season but soon found himself on the 10-Day DL as of May 30th with a wrist sprain. Pedroia soon returned to the lineup which only lasted 2 months. On August 1st, he hit the 10-Day DL once again. This time it was soreness in the left knee which had surgery in the off season. Eleven days later, the Red Sox would announce Dustin would finish the season on the DL due to continued soreness in the knee. On October 25th, it was revealed that Dustin underwent surgery for a complete cartilage restoration and would miss the start of the 2018 season.

Photo Courtesy of bosoxinjection.com

     Pedroia started rehab with Triple A affiliate Pawtucket on May 14th and then was added to Boston's active roster on May 26th. After just 3 games, Dustin was back on the DL with inflammation to the left knee. After not much improvement, it was announced on August 4th, that Dustin would be put on the 60-Day DL. Shortly after in early September, news came across that Pedroia would in fact be out for the remainder of the season. As we know, later that season the Red Sox went on to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Because Dustin was not part of the active roster, he does not receive an credit for the title. To begin the 2019 season, Dustin made his way up from Class A Greenville team to being active for the teams home opener on April 9th. He appeared in 6 games and unfortunately returned to the IL with left knee irritation. Once again, rehabbing with Double A team in Portland and then Triple A Pawtucket, Pedroia announced that he will be taking some time to evaluate his health and his future in baseball. That same day, he was moved to the 60-Day IL.

   If this has been the last we've seen of the 4 time all-star and 4 time Gold Glove winner, I'd have to say it's been an absolutely wonderful career. The 5'9" second baseman played the game with so much heart, hustle and grit that he'll be remembered for decades to come. Drafted in 2004 with the 65th overall pick out of Arizona State as a shortstop, Dustin has numerous accolades and awards. Making his debut in August 2006, Pedroia was named Rookie of the Year in 2007. The following 2008 season, Dustin took home AL MVP honors as well as the Silver Slugger award. At the time, he became on 1 of 3 players to have been named Rookie of the Year and followed it up with an MVP award. The 2 time World Series Champion will finish with some impressive stats in his 14 year career. 

     So if this is it for Dustin, as a fan, I thank you for leaving it all out on the field every game and playing the game of baseball the way it's supposed to be played. Although he may be done as a player, Pedroia has the knowledge and turn his playing career into a coaching career. Don't be surprised to see Dustin "Laser Show" "Peddy" Pedroia in a uniform, but this time hopefully managing a team to victories and titles. Thank You Dustin and good luck you in your future endeavors.

Career Stats
.299 Batting Average                 4x All-Star (08,08,10,13)
1,805 Hits                                    4x Gold Glove (08,11,13,14)
140 Home Runs                          Heart and Hustle Award 2013
725 Runs Batted In                    AL Rookie of the Year 2007
130 Stolen Bases                         AL MVP 2008
625 Walks                                    2x World Series Champion (07,13)
.805 OPS                                      Defensive Player of the Year (13,16)
Only 58 errors in 1498 games   6,031 AB with only 654 Strikeouts
Never struck out more than 85 times in a season.