When second baseman Dustin Pedroia suffered a sprain wrist and MRI and X-rays cleared him of any major issues, the Boston Red Sox played it safe with their star second baseman and placed him on the 10-day disabled list. Now after a minimum stay on the DL, Pedroia will suit up again on Friday after the team activated him from the DL.
Pedroia landed on the disabled list on May 30 after he collided with Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu back on May 29. Pedroia landed on his arm and twisted his wrist, but fortunately avoided major injury. Now Boston gets back its veteran hitter who was in the midst of another very productive season at the plate.
In 197 plate appearances this season, Pedroia posted a .292/.369/.380 slash line with a .330 wOBA and 21 runs batted in. Pedroia's defense at second base will also be a welcome addition for Boston. In 385 innings at second, Pedroia posted the fourth best UZR (3.5) and a 4.2 Defensive Rating. He should slide right back into the No.2 spot of Boston's lineup.
Pedroia's promotion did come at a cost. First baseman Sam Travis, who earned an MLB call up for the first time in his career, was outstanding in limited action. Across 19 plate appearances, the 23-year-old posted a .471/.526/.588 line. But Boston wanted him to get every day playing time and that wouldn't come with the Red Sox presently, so he will head back down to Triple-A.