Plan In Place For Dustin Pedroia?

UPDATE: Some extra information, as Terry Francona added that Varitek was about a week behind Pedroia.

The Red Sox may be a week away from seeing Dustin Pedroia's return to the lineup.

With Pedroia having run at full speed today, Terry Francona is optimistic that the former MVP will be ready to return soon.

"He simulated coming out of the batter's box,'' Francona said. "He was close to 100 percent speedwise. No limp, no favoring it. He had that little burst. It was very exciting.''

Pedroia will be reevaluated and examined over the next few days, and if all goes well, could be starting a short rehab assignment in Pawtucket come Saturday. The best case scenario has Pedroia slotting in to start at second base next Tuesday, as they start their homestand against the Angels.