Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia will likely begin an injury rehabilitation assignment Thursday at Double-A Portland to test his balky, surgically-repaired left knee that caused him to miss all but three games last season.The 35-year-old started this season on the injured list and played in just six games before leaving an April 17 game at Yankee Stadium after he felt somethingpop while running down the first base line. The 2008 AL MVP is batting https://www.brsprostore.com/Jd_Martinez_Jersey-46.100 with two singles in 20 at-bats.He hasnt played in a while. He needs at-bats. He needs to play, Red Sox manager Cora said before Sunday game against Tampa Bay.Well go over the program and see where were at. Cora was not definitive, sayingmost likely that he was starting the assignment.The player has input on this, Cora said.I know sometimes it feels like were cutting them short or whatever, but it just the way it goes nowadays. We do our best to let them know how we feel about it, what wed like to do. It not like they go over the program or the team. But if they feel theyre fine, that within the rules.After being checked by doctors following the game against the Yankees David Ortiz Jersey, it was projected the IL stay would be short term.He a lot better, Cora said.You talk pop and knee, you dont feel comfortable with it. He feels good. He moving well.