Dustin Pedroia played three games last season and six games this year before re-injuring his knee.

And he’s only getting further away from a return.

The Red Sox pulled their longtime second baseman from his rehab assignment Monday due to what the team called “minor left knee soreness.”

Pedroia was scratched from the lineup before a rehab game at Double-A Portland on Saturday, which was supposed to be the first of three consecutive games for the veteran as he works through issues with his troublesome left knee.

“I had some discomfort the other day and it got checked out [Monday],” Pedroia told reporters Tuesday. “So all is good. I think my time was up on Friday, you know, and I still need some more at-bats and getting used to some things before I’m ready. That was it.”

Portland’s game Sunday was rained out. He had played in five rehab games at Portland from May 2-9, collecting four hits in 16 at-bats. Pedroia remains on the 10-day injured list.

“I know I haven’t played many games but I think I’ve surprised some people to where I’m at,” he said, via MassLive. “There’s going to be a time when I’m out there all the time. It’s coming. Just got to stick with it.”

Pedroia, a Boston staple since 2006 and four-time All-Star, went just 2-of-20 in his brief major league time this season. Last year, it was 1-of-11 in three games. The two-time World Series champ is now 35.

“It just takes some time to get used to that and make sure that when I’m ready, it’s not a week and then I’m hurt again,” Pedroia said. “I’m just trying to find a way.”

— With Field Level Media