Here are some bold predictions for the rest of the Red Sox season

BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox takes the field to start the game during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on Wednesday May 2, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mookie Betts /

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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 03: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox looks on prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on April 3, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

4. Dustin Pedroia has a very minimal impact

Four-time All-Star and 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia has yet to take the field in 2018 while rehabbing from offseason knee surgery. The 34-year-old second baseman is not expected back until the end of May at the earliest.

When Pedroia does return, his impact as a hitter will be limited. He is coming off the second-worst full season of his career and continues to deal with nagging injuries.

Pedroia can and probably will still be a pest and an important presence in the clubhouse, but his contribution on the field will not be much more than league average. In 105 games last year, he hit only .293/.369/.392 with 19 doubles and seven home runs. Pedroia remains a solid contact hitter and a tough player to strike out, but the power isn’t there and he does not draw many walks.

The Red Sox probably won’t put Petey out to pasture entirely, but expecting him to channel his best days is a stretch. Brock Holt and Eduardo Nunez will continue to see plenty of at-bats, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

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