If starting second baseman Dustin Pedroia is not able to attend next week’s All-Star Game in St. Louis, the duties will likely fall to the Blue Jays Aaron Hill.
The status of Pedroia is in doubt as the reigning AL MVP is in hospital with his wife, who went into early labour. Pedroia declined to speak about the matter before Thursday night’s game, and he was unavailable for comment after the Sox’ 8-6 loss to the Royals.
The issue was raised in a Twitter post from Hall of Fame writer and broadcaster Peter Gammons. Boston manager Terry Francona will support any decision made by his all-star second baseman.
“I’m not sure how to answer that. I guess there’s always a chance that he couldn’t play because you don’t know what’s going to happen. But the plan is for him to play,” said Francona on Thursday night. “Saying that, if he needs to not play I certainly would support that, and it’s kind of stating the obvious. His wife is in the hospital. If he needs to not go, he wouldn’t, but that’s the same for everybody. . . . He wants to play.”
If Pedroia decides to take the three days off to be with his wife, Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill will likely be penciled in on Francona’s lineup card.
Hill is hitting .298 with 20 homeruns and 59 RBI for Toronto in 86 games. Teammate Roy Halladay will be joining Hill on the American League squad.
