Following his late 2017 knee surgery, Pedroia started the 2018 Red Sox season on the disabled list. On May 14, he was optioned to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox for a rehabilitation assignment. He was activated on May 26, but after three games (batting 1-for-11), he wound up back on the disabled list with left knee inflammation. On August 4, Pedroia was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. On September 7, the Red Sox announced that Pedroia would take no further part in any action for the remainder of 2018. The Red Sox finished the year 108–54 and went on to win the World Series over the Los Angeles Dodgers.