While the Boston Red Sox received good news on Tuesday when MRI results deemed second baseman Dustin Pedroia sustained no structural damage in his wrist, the sprain is still enough that it required a trip to the disabled list. As a result, Boston placed Pedroia on the DL and activated third baseman Pablo Sandoval to take his roster spot.
The 33-year-old second baseman will be missed in the Red Sox lineup. In 197 plate appearances this season, Pedroia posted a .292/.369/.380 slash line with a .330 wOBA and 21 runs batted in. Even with missed action as a result of the Manny Machado slide weeks ago, Pedroia remained a key part of Boston's infield and represented a picture of consistency.
Josh Rutledge will likely see extended playing time in Pedroia's absence, though he is off the fantasy radar. In addition, Sandoval will likely slide back in at third base.
In 67 plate appearances before he missed a month of action with a knee injury, Sandoval struggled at the plate with a .213/.269/.377 line and .278 wOBA. Once a fantasy impact bat, Sandoval should now be left alone on the waiver wire.