Boston, MA – The Boston Red Sox on Friday placed second baseman Dustin Pedroia on the 15-day disabled list due to a sprained right thumb.
Pedroia was diagnosed with a torn adductor muscle in his right thumb in May. He was held out of action from May 29-June 4 due to the injury.
On Tuesday in Oakland, Pedroia hurt the other side of his thumb while making a diving catch.
"Dustin Pedroia hyperextended his right thumb on July 3, 2012," the Red Sox said in a statement. "He was examined by the Red Sox medical staff and an MRI was performed. Dustin sustained an injury to the volar plate of his right thumb. Dustin will be treated conservatively with a brief period of immobilization. The previous injury to his right thumb adductor muscle has completely healed. This was confirmed by MRI."
Since the move is retroactive to Wednesday, Pedroia is eligible to return on July 19.
Pedroia is hitting .266 with six homers and 33 RBI in 74 games this season.
The Red Sox recalled infielder Pedro Ciriaco from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Pedroia's spot on the active roster. Boston also moved reliever Rich Hill to the 60-day disabled list.
Ciriaco was batting .301 with four homers and 21 RBI in 64 games for Pawtucket this year.
In addition, Boston activated outfielder Scott Podsednik from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to Pawtucket.