BOSTON -- Dustin Pedroia stands an excellent chance of winning August Player of the Month in the American League.

For the month, the Red Sox second baseman, who was back in his customary No. 2 spot in the lineup after two days as the emergency cleanup hitter, hit .374 with 33 runs scored.

Pedroia began September in fine form, too, with two more hits, two RBI one run scored and a stolen base. Pedroia’s steal was his fifth in the last four games and his 17th of the season. He’s been caught just one time. His current success rate of 94.4 percent is the best in the A.L. for anyone with 15 or more attempts and would be the best for a Red Sox player in more than half a century if he can maintain it.

Also sure to receive consideration for Player of the Month for August: Jason Bay, who it .315 with four homers and 29 RBI. The 29 RBI tied him for third-best in the American League in that category.

-SEAN McADAM