Dustin Pedroia to Play Despite Broken Finger

None can dispute just how tough Dustin Pedroia is. How wise his decisions are is another discussion, however.

It would appear that less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a fractured finger, Pedroia will indeed be in tonight’s lineup at New York (in his usual spot – playing second base and batting second) and plans to play in the season’s final two games. Pedroia, according to Rob Bradford on WEEI earlier this afternoon, said he wanted to play in the games because they still mean something even though the Red Sox are completely out of the playoff chase. New York stands just a game ahead of Baltimore, and with two games remaining on the season the outcome of these last two Sox games may play a big role in which team ultimately is crowned AL East Champion. Boston may not have anything to gain by winning tonight and/or tomorrow’s games at the Yankees, but by winning those games they can potentially help one division rival unseat another atop the standings.

While it may prove for naught if Baltimore can’t defeat the Tampa Bay Rays in their final two games, it’s tough to find fault in Pedroia’s stance and his desire to play. Hopefully his presence in the lineup proves to be helpful and he doesn’t hurt himself any further by playing, which he’s likely doing in spite of doctor’s orders.