Ahead of Schedule

Dustin Pedroia has been cleared to begin running, as he rehabs from October knee surgery. The gritty, gutty Red Sox veteran was expected to be sidelined for seven months after the procedure; getting the OK from his medical team means he's not only ahead of schedule, but stands a chance of playing on Opening Day.
Now 34, the 12 year veteran already has Rookie of the Year and MVP trophies on his shelf -- along with a pair of World Series rings. On what's still a youthful Boston club, he not only brings talent, but experience and most importantly leadership to a core of players about to begin their second season without David Ortiz.
(These images are from a game in May 2016; Dustin didn't play in any of the three Yankee/Red Sox games I last season.)

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