Projo Sox Blog

KANSAS CITY -- It's a slow day here as the Sox finish up their series with the Royals.
Second baseman Dustin Pedroia has been given the night off by manager Terry Francona. His last full off-day came almost exactly two months ago -- June 7 against Seattle.
``It's not easy to do,'' said Francona of the decision. ``But with the day off (Thursday), it will be really good for him (since it's the equivalent of two straight days off). He hasn't had one for a ling time. I kind of have to fight myself to do it.''
Pedroia has a seven-game hitting streak overall and a 26-game road hitting streak. Overall, he's hit safely in 34 of his last 37 games.

With Pedroia out of the lineup, Francona had to find a replacement for the second spot in the batting order.
Almost my default, he went with switch-hitting shortstop Jed Lowrie. He gave some consideration to putting Jacoby Ellsbury there, then decided against it out of fear that the Sox would have three straight lefties in the lineup with leadoff hitter J.D. Drew, Lowrie, and David Ortiz.
``It's not perfect,'' he said of the order he settled on, `and it wasn't easy.''

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