BOSTON — Dustin Pedroia was cleared on Thursday to start running, but the second baseman's hopes of being ready by Opening Day still seem unrealistic.
Pedroia told WEEI.com earlier this week that he was working toward playing 162 games and into the postseason in 2018. Dave Dombrowski was less forceful in that regard Thursday. Pedroia may be running now, but he's still vulnerable enough that navigating the large crowds at the team's winter weekend at Foxwoods the next three days was deemed too dangerous.
"I can't say he would never be ready, but we’re not pushing him for that," Dombrowski said. "I think it’s more important he follows step by step."
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While earlier in the offseason Dombrowski listed a left-handed reliever as a possible area to add, he said Thursday that is not a top priority.
Lefty specialist Robby Scott returns from last year's team, and Dombrowski mentioned the possibility of moving some of the organization's lefty starters to the pen. Brian Johnson is out of options and figures to start the season either in the rotation (until Eduardo Rodriguez is healthy) or in the bullpen. Roenis Elias could also get a look as a reliever.
The Red Sox still expect Rodriguez to be back sometime in April. Steven Wright is scheduled to be a go for spring training after his knee surgery last season, though his status for the start of the season is uncertain given Major League Baseball's investigation into his arrest for domestic assault in December.