5/29/12 Red Sox Lineup: No Dustin Pedroia

For those looking to panic, I have good news! Dustin Pedroia will be absent from the Red Sox' lineup tonight as they take on Justin Verlander and the Tiger.

So there's that.

As we all know, Pedroia jammed his thumb making an impressive play in last night's 7-4 win. Since then, we've been stuck waiting anxiously for any news. And while there are rumblings that it's nothing serious, and that Pedroia is only resting it for today, it's certainly not as good a sign as having him batting second.

Of course, with Dustin Pedroia out, we are treated to an always special Nick Punto appearance. Joy, joy, joy. With Adrian Gonzalez hanging around first rather than right, and Will Middlebrooks riding the bench, it's not exactly the sort of lineup you need against the likes of Justin Verlander.

Then again, maybe it's exactly the time to take the lineup hit, since scoring off of him is as least as much luck as it is skill.