Pedroia out with abdominal injury

FORT MYERS, Ga., March 15 (UPI) -- Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia will miss the rest of the World Baseball Classic because of a strained left abdominal muscle.

He has been replaced by Baltimore second baseman Brian Roberts.

The 2008 American League MVP said he felt a tweak during batting practice before Team USA's game against Puerto Rico Saturday in Miami. He said he was confident he would be ready for Boston's Opening Day contest on Monday, April 6 against the defending AL champion Tampa Bay Rays.

"I don't think it's going to linger," Pedroia said on the team's Web site from Fort Myers, Fla., the site of the Red Sox' spring training camp. "I'll take care of it and get it ready and get ready for the season. It won't be an issue."

Dr. Thomas Gill, the team's medical director, said after meeting with Pedroia Saturday night that the recommendation was treatment and rest until he feels ready to play.