FILE - In this Tuesday, April 9, 2019 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Dustin Pedroia takes off his gloves after lining out to right field to end the sixth inning of the home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Boston. Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia had what the team called a "significant setback” while rehabbing his left knee, the latest blow to the four-time All-Star's attempt to return to the field. Boston spokesman Kevin Gregg confirmed the development Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

BOSTON (AP) – Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia had what the team called a “significant setback” while rehabbing his left knee, the latest blow to the four-time All-Star’s attempt to return to the field.

Boston spokesman Kevin Gregg confirmed the development Tuesday, which was first reported by The Boston Globe. It has left Pedroia’s status for spring training uncertain. The Globe reported that he was meeting with his family, team and agents to decide his future.

The 2008 American League MVP, the 36-year-old has been struggling since Baltimore’s Manny Machado slid into the surgically repaired knee at second base on April 21, 2017. Pedroia had surgery that Oct. 25, followed by a procedure to remove scar tissue the following July 20. He had another operation last Aug. 6 to remove bone spurs and preserve the knee joint.

A four-time All-Star, Pedroia has been limited to nine games over the past two seasons, three in May 2018 and six last April.

Pedroia’s contract includes salaries of $13 million this season and $12 million in 2021, and he counts $13,281,250 toward Boston’s luxury tax payroll.

Even before this latest setback the team had already been planning for the likelihood that Pedroia wouldn’t be ready in time for the the start this season. Boston signed infielder José Peraza to a $2.85 million, one-year contract in December. Peraza spent the last four years in Cincinnati, batting .273 with 28 homers and 154 RBIs.

A message left Pedroia’s agents was not immediately returned.

NOTES

The Red Sox traded RHP Travis Lakins to the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named or cash. Boston also outrighted LHP Bobby Poyner to Triple-A Pawtucket. …

With Los Angeles fans reeling from news that two of the Dodgers’ recent World Series opponents were linked to a cheating scandal that tipped off batters to what pitch was about to be thrown, the City Council voted Tuesday to ask Major League Baseball to strip the Houston Astros and Red Sox of their World Series titles.

The resolution was introduced after MLB revealed in a report Jan. 13 how the Astros used a sign-stealing system instituted by then-coach Alex Cora during the 2017 season, when Houston beat Los Angeles in the World Series.

The Red Sox are under investigation for possibly stealing signs in Cora’s first season as manager in 2018, when Boston beat the Dodgers.

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