I have some concern regarding the news that Pedroia is ready and returning for the 4-game series beginning tonight in the Bronx. And I do so hope that he is good-to-go!
Albeit, Pedey has been a stalwart mainstay in the Sox lineup for as long as I can remember, and a team leader, but he is none-the-less coming off a serious injury and bound to be a bit rusty. Is it reasonable to think that his at-bat timing will be back? I'd feel a bit more comfortable if he were to have a couple of rehab starts with the PawSox or SeaDogs.
Coupled with the fact that Nunez has been very steady at 2B and a spark at the plate. To disrupt his routine at this point may well be counterproductive.
There's been talk of rotating him in the lineup; alternately substituting him for Bogaerts, Devers, Pedroia on a night-to-night basis, thus giving days-off to players and keeping them fresh for the stretch run in September.
There may be some merit to this strategy, but I'm inclined to think that keeping the status quo and a set lineup, that is presently winning ball games, is a more prudent approach.
I further believe that ballplayers are creatures of habit and juggling lineups early in the season may be beneficial in coming up with the best lineup, but at this stage of the season, coming to the ballpark each day, players respond better when the lineup is set and they know where they stand.