Five days ago, Red Sox second baseman, Dustin Pedrioa, tore a muscle in his right thumb. On Saturday, he participated in batting practice for the first time since suffering the injury.
Manager Bobby Valentine said the team hopes to avoid putting Pedroia on the disabled list. The team will monitor any pain or swelling in the thumb resulting from Saturday's session. His status will be reevaluated after the weekend.
The 28-year-old was having a typical 'Dustin Pedroia season' before suffering the injury. He's batting .295, with five home runs, 21 runs batted in, and three stolen bases on the season. He's making a little less contact than he has in years past. His contact percentage for his career is 90.7 – this season he's down to 87.5. It's not a drastic drop, but something to keep an eye on.
For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.