Defensive ‘backbone’ Pedroia returns to lineup

BOSTON — Dustin Pedroia returned to the Red Sox’s lineup on Tuesday against the Rays after missing two games due to a death in the family. The Red Sox will look to re-establish structure in both the lineup and infield, with the second baseman serving as the backbone on the dirt.

Brock Holt replaced Pedroia at second base, and in his absence, Holt proved again why he’s a super-utility player. But the Sox are happy to have Pedroia back, who’s quietly having one of his best seasons, slashing .320/.383/.457 with 12 homers 58 RBIs heading into Tuesday’s game.

The second baseman is hitting .458 (33-for-37) since moving to the leadoff spot on Aug. 10, which included a streak of 11 consecutive hits. Red Sox manager John Farrell credited Pedroia’s stellar defense (six errors this season) and health to his hard work over the offseason.

“What Pedey had control over was the way he trained in the offseason. It was a complete revamping of his offseason program, to address more lean bodytype and quick movements. And that …

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