Pedroia has doubts about returning this season: 'You can't risk it'

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has missed all but three games this season because of a slow recovery from offseason knee surgery, and it appears like the former American League MVP is doubtful about making a return this season.

Although Red Sox manager Alex Cora said earlier this week he expected the 34-year-old would return at some point this season, Pedroia didn't sound as confident.

"I've healed quick with every other injury I've had. But this is obviously different," Pedroia told reporters Wednesday, according to ESPN. "You can't risk it. If I come back too early and the graft fails, then that's it."

Pedroia made his first appearance in the Red Sox lineup this season on May 26, but almost immediately went back on the disabled list with soreness in his knee. He's headed to his home in Arizona to continue rehab on the area and he said he should know more about his future in "4 to 5 weeks."

"I'd love to play right now, but I can't," Pedroia explained. "I'm going to be back for good if I let it heal. That's it. I've got to let it heal. ... I can't do anything about time."

Pedroia, a four-time All-Star, is signed through 2021 and owns a lifetime .300/.366/.440 slash line with 140 home runs and 724 RBIs.