Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday, things were looking scary for a little while as Dustin Pedroia was scratched from the lineup, leaving doubt about why. When that doubt was answered with news of his nagging wrist injury, it looked like the Red Sox’ star second baseman could be due to miss a bit of time. Normally unwilling to sit the bench, Pedroia skipped last night’s game against the Yankees and returned to Boston, where he took tests on his wrist.
The news is good. The exam that Pedroia took showed no structural damage and instead indicated that Pedroia was merely dealing with some inflammation in his wrist following a takeout slide during the Red Sox’ series against the Brewers from April 4-6.
Pedroia’s wrist will likely heal fully within few weeks and given Pedroia’s mental and physical toughness, he’ll probably slot into the lineup regularly barring a setback. Hopefully with no fear of a serious injury on his mind, Pedroia will be able to focus on his play and try to turn around what has been a slow start for the 30-year old.
He will join the team in Chicago for Boston’s three-game set against the White Sox this weekend. Ideally, these two days of rest will have Pedroia back to his usual self as he’s off to a mere .236/.236/.291 start at the plate while admittedly playing his trademark phenomenal defense. When healthy, Pedroia is one of, if not the best second baseman in the league; unfortunately, he hasn’t been healthy much in recent seasons. Pedroia should be able to put this injury behind him and reclaim his place near the top of the second base podium though, possibly as soon as this week.