But it was serious enough to warrant an MRI. The Red Sox are still awaiting the results of the second baseman's tests, but manager Bobby Valentine said –– contrary to popular belief –– that Pedroia didn't suffer the setback in Monday's game.
"He got jammed about three weeks ago," Valentine said. "He started wearing the little protection, and I know he took some batting practice using a little bit of a different grip. There wasn't anything on the medical reports or anything for the last couple of weeks."
Pedroia likely re-aggravated the injury during his last at-bat in Monday's game against Tigers starter Doug Fister. In the face-off, Fister tossed an inside fastball to Pedroia, which worsened the situation.
Pedroia eventually exited in the top of the sixth inning after making a diving grab on Detroit's Danny Worth's grounder.
As of Tuesday afternoon, doctors were still analyzing the MRI results. While Valentine didn't divulge any details, he's preparing for the reality that Boston could be without Pedroia for an extended period of time.
"It was serious enough for him not to go back," Valentine said. "It's serious enough, obviously, for him not to be in the lineup [on Tuesday] — and maybe more than [Tuesday]. I'm not sure.
"The situation is that it's weak enough or bruised enough that if something reoccurs, if the same situation reoccurs, maybe then it could get very serious."
When approached by reporters in the clubhouse, Pedroia declined to comment on the injury other than a brief joke.
"I'll shoot you a page," Pedroia said.
At the moment, the Red Sox aren't planning on any roster moves. For the foreseeable future, the team will start utilityman Nick Punto at second base until further details emerge.
In the meantime, Valentine said he's "optimistic" that Pedroia didn't suffer any damage to his ligaments and tendons.
Have a question for Didier Morais? Send it to him via Twitter at @DidierMorais or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
