Pedroia placed on 15-day disabled list

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Dustin Pedroia was placed on the 15-day disabled list with another thumb injury.

Pedroia re-injured his right thumb diving for a ball Tuesday night in Oakland, Calif. The injury is not related to the torn muscle in the same thumb that caused him to miss six games last month.

The injury will not require surgery, but Pedroia is wearing a small cast on his hand.

Pedroia is the 21st Red Sox player to be placed on the DL this season. Nick Punto will get the start at second base.

The Red Sox released the following statement Friday:

"Dustin Pedroia hyperextended his right thumb on July 3, 2012. 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."