MINNEAPOLIS -- It has been more than two weeks since Dustin Pedroia returned to the disabled list with inflammation in his surgically-repaired left knee, and the Red Sox are still no closer to estimating when he might return to action.
Though it is concerning to the club and Pedroia that the inflammation remains, despite limited activity the last few weeks, manager Alex Cora remains hopeful the veteran will play a role at some point this season.
"Like I said before, it was a major surgery," Cora said. "We didn't know what to expect, so we are where we are now. We're hoping that, yeah, he'll be back. When? We don't know. But I still believe he's going to contribute this season and he's going to help us to win."
With Pedroia out, the Red Sox continue to rotate Eduardo Nunez and Brock Holt at second base.
In his initial return to action, Pedroia played three games for the Red Sox before going back to the DL.
Scott returns
A familiar face was back Tuesday, as the Red Sox recalled lefty reliever Robby Scott from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned righty Justin Haley to Pawtucket.
Scott had a 3.24 ERA for the Red Sox in 64 games from 2016-17. He was a late cut this past Spring Training.
Scott gives the Red Sox a second left-hander in the bullpen behind Christopher Johnson entering a three-game series against the Twins.
"They've got a lot of lefties and switch-hitters," Cora said. "We took a look at it the last few days and felt that, although we've got B.J., we needed one more to match up. I think it was the right time. He's throwing the ball well. He's gone multiple innings, too. We're very comfortable with him now in the bullpen."
Thornburg slow to come back
Righty reliever Tyler Thornburg still hasn't thrown a pitch for the Red Sox in a regular-season game after being acquired for Travis Shaw on Dec. 6, 2016.
In his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder, Thornburg has been inconsistent in his Minor League rehab assignment, posting a 5.56 ERA in 14 outings for Triple-A Pawtucket and Double-A Portland.
Thornburg gave up three runs on four hits in one-third of an inning on Sunday for Pawtucket.
"Obviously he was disappointed with the outing, but he'll be back on the mound on Thursday," Cora said.