Pedroia set to test knee
Next week should be an exciting one for the Red Sox. Dustin Pedroia is scheduled to start running for the first time this offseason to test his injured left knee, the Herald has learned. The Red Sox had been hoping Pedroia would be on schedule to begin running sometime in January. Early in the offseason they chose not to pursue any major league second baseman, largely because they couldn’t promise any playing time to more established players. With Pedroia, Brock Holt and Eduardo Nunez all expected to compete at the position, the Sox have been tame in their pursuit of second base depth, even as a proven talent like Brian Dozier signs for what appears to be a bargain contract ($9 million on a one-year deal with the Nationals yesterday). Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said last month during the winter meetings that upgrading the bullpen was the priority and second base was on the backburner, though that could change depending how well, or how poorly, Pedroia’s able to handle some important steps leading into spring training. “I think we have plenty of time (to add at second base),” Dombrowski said last month. “If it was an addition, it would be more minor league addition-type contracts. It would not be big-league contracts that we’re looking to do. “We’re hopeful that, again, Pedey will be fine. We are looking to add more minor league, guys on six-year renewal option players in general just because we need more depth. That’s a process we’ve been working on for a while. At this point, I don’t think we’re the most appealing organization for most of those guys to sign because most of them want a big-league opportunity, first and foremost, and we don’t have a lot of those.” Also happening next week is the Boston Baseball Writers Association of America’s annual dinner at the Intercontinental Boston. Most Red Sox players are expected in attendance at the annual gathering, as is Dombrowski and manager Alex Cora. Next Friday, the Red Sox begin their Winter Weekend festivities at Foxwoods Casino. Those will carry on through the weekend. — JASON MASTRODONATO Lowrie to Mets Free agent infielder Jed Lowrie and the New York Mets agreed to a $20 million, two-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press . ... Right-handed reliever Scott Oberg of Tewksbury and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $1.3 million, oneyear contract to avoid salary arbitration. The 28-year-old Oberg made $555,000 in 2018 as he emerged as one of Colorado’s more reliable relievers. He was 8-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 57 strikeouts over 58⅔ innings . ... Free agent outfielder Jon Jay and the Chicago White Sox finalized a $4 million, one-year contract. The 33-year-old Jay played for Kansas City and Arizona last season, batting .268 with three homers and 40 RBI in 143 games. He also made at least 24 starts at each spot in the outfield. Jay also is friends with slugger Manny Machado, one of Chicago’s top targets in free agency . ... Right-hander Cory Gearrin and infielder Tim Beckham agreed to one-year contracts with the Seattle Mariners . ... Left-handed reliever Ryan Buchter and the Oakland Athletics agreed to a $1.4 million, one-year contract to avoid salary arbitration . ... The Tigers avoided arbitration with reliever Shane Greene, agreeing to a $4 million, one-year contract with the right-hander . ... Oracle Corp. has bought the naming rights to the San Francisco Giants’ stadium for more than $200 million. NU tops Elon in OT Vasa Pusica scored 19 points with seven assists, Donnell Gresham Jr. scored 11 with 10 rebounds and Northeastern beat Elon, 81-70, in overtime in Elon, N.C . ... Troy hired former Auburn offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey as head coach. The Trojans hired Lindsey away from Kansas, where he had been announced as offensive coordinator Dec. 4 . ... Clemson All-American Clelin Ferrell is joining his defensive linemates in heading to the NFL. More Derby money The Kentucky Derby’s purse will be raised to $3 million this May, an increase of $1 million and the first boost in 14 years. Churchill Downs said the winner of the 145th running will receive $1.86 million. The runner-up will earn $600,000, with third place worth $300,000, fourth place $150,000 and fifth place $90,000. The Derby purse had been $2 million since 2005 and $1 million from 1996-2004. Ronaldo DNA sought is being asked by police in the U.S. to provide a DNA sample in an ongoing investigation of a Cristiano Ronaldo Nevada woman’s allegation that he raped her in his Las Vegas hotel penthouse in 2009, the soccer star’s lawyer in Las Vegas said. Attorney Peter S. Christiansen downplayed the development, denied the rape allegation and provided no additional details. He did not immediately confirm a Wall Street Journal report citing an unnamed law enforcement source saying that Las Vegas police obtained a warrant that was sent to Italy to obtain a DNA sample from the 33-year-old Ronaldo, who plays for the Turinbased club Juventus. Putnam tops in Sony Andrew Putnam made birdie on half of his holes at Waialae, none of them tapins, and took only 23 putts for an 8-under 62 an the early lead in the Sony Open in Honolulu. Brandt Snedeker, Jason Dufner and John Chin were at 66, with defending champion Patton Kizzire among those at 67 . ... Aliaksandra Sasnovich advanced to the Sydney International semifinals by beating Timea Bacsinszky 6-3, 6-3. Sasnovich will next face two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who beat 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-1 in a match twice suspended by rain.