Red Sox Put Pedroia on 15-Day DL, Assign Kelly to Pawtucket

The Boston Red Sox are in the American League East cellar 10 games under .500, 9 games behind first place Tampa Bay and just 5-5 over their past 10 games played.

On Thursday, the Red Sox placed Dustin Pedroia their second baseman on the 15-day disable list due to a strained hamstring, said John Farrell the Red Sox manager.

Hanley Ramirez the Boston left fielder remains day to day after being hit on the wrist Wednesday with a line drive.

Pedroia told reporters he never has pulled a muscle prior to this, calling it weird.

Pedroia said that injuries cannot be prevented but it is frustrating mentally when you have to sit out and watch rather than play every day.

He said he had worked hard during the entire offseason then these little things take place. He called it tough, but said he and the team would get through it.

On Thursday, Boston made moves in its roster that involved six players. They put Pedroia on the DL; Erick Kratz a catcher was designated for assignment; Joe Kelly a pitcher, who declared in spring training he would win the Cy Young Award, was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Boston also brought up from Triple-A Jackie Bradley Jr. an outfielder along with Deven Marrero an infielder and Jonathan Aro a relief pitcher.

Bradley played right field on Thursday and had 2 hits. Marrero will be Brock Holt’s replacement at second in the absence of Pedroia. Aro will take Justin Masterson’s place in the Red Sox bullpen.

Masterson was chosen by coaches to take the place of Kelly in the rotation and will start on Sunday versus Tampa Bay.

Farrell said he is hoping that Pedroia would not need more than the 15 days he has to sit out now before returning.

Farrell called Pedroia the Red Sox heart and soul as he gives 100% always on the field, is a leader in the clubhouse and was having a career year until his hamstring strain.

Pedroia has shined in an otherwise dim dugout this season for Boston. He is batting .306 has 9 homers and 33 runs batted in with 34 runs scored.

Ramirez was hit on this wrist by his own teammate’s hit while headed toward second on a called hit-and-run. Ramirez said he originally thought his wrist had been broken, but CT scans and x-rays were both negative.

Boston needs to hold on until both Ramirez and Pedroia return, as they are already 9 games behind first place and could dip further without these top players on the field.