Six days ago, Boston Red Sox fans were holding their breath as it seemed Dustin Pedroia was again headed to the disable list, this time with a torn muscle in his right thumb. However, after a few days out of the lineup and a few solid batting practice sessions it looks like the Red Sox second basebmen is ready to make his return.

Barring a change of heart by the team, he’ll get today off and then return to the starting lineup on Tuesday.

“I’m ready to go,” Pedroia said. “They’re making me wait until after (tomorrow’s) off day. That’s the plan, but if an emergency happens, I’ll be ready.”

Initially, there was speculation that Pedroia's injured finger would keep him out for a month, but that's obviously not the case now.

“I hit today on the field and I felt normal,” he said. “Once I come back on Tuesday, there’s not going to be a problem. I’ll be out there every day.”

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