Dustin Pedroia had a hit and an RBI in his first game since straining an abdominal muscle 10 days ago while playing for the United States, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-4 Friday. 

2009 Boston Red Sox ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Tampa Bay, 2:05 p. 

2009 Boston Red Sox ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Tampa Bay, 2:05 p. 

Kevin Youkilis enjoyed the World Baseball Classic, even though injuries to his foot and ankle knocked him out of the tournament. 

Team USA finally is getting help. 

The Red Sox brought in some complementary pieces in the low risk/high reward category -- RHP John Smoltz, OF Rocco Baldelli, RHP Brad Penny, RHP Takashi Saito -- but did very little to change the basic structure of last year's 95-win ballclub. 

Every big-league bullpen could use a pitcher like Justin Masterson. 

--1B Kevin Youkilis left Team USA on March 18 due to a sore ankle, and Red Sox team doctors diagnosed him with a mild left ankle sprain and mild Achilles tendinitis in his left foot. 

Jed Lowrie had another big game at the plate, hitting a two-run homer off Bronson Arroyo to lead the Boston Red Sox over the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 on Thursday night. 

You can bank on the best closers to put away games, but they can't bank on blockbuster deals, Tracy Ringolsby says. 

Defending champion Japan advanced to the World Baseball Classic semifinals Wednesday night, leaving mighty Cuba in the fog of another international failure. 

Team USA might find a capable replacement for injured Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, after all. 

--1B Kevin Youkilis left Team USA on March 18 due to a sore ankle. 

The Red Sox brought in some complementary pieces in the low risk/high reward category -- RHP John Smoltz, OF Rocco Baldelli, RHP Brad Penny, RHP Takashi Saito -- but did very little to change the basic structure of last year's 95-win ballclub. 

Every big-league bullpen could use a pitcher like Justin Masterson.