Earlier today I commented on Dustin Pedroia’s lack of power this year. The Projo Sox blog found the answer:

For much of this season, Pedroia hasn’t been taking his signature huge swats at the ball, instead spraying it to all fields. The reason, he said, is that a pulled groin muscle has made it difficult to hit for power of late.

“I think when his groin was bothering him, I think it was hard for him to do that. He finds ways to still be a good player,” manager Terry Francona said. “I think he went through a period when it was hard for him to take those swings.”

Instead he has adjusted by spraying the ball to all fields, and clearly he has made it work. He is the proud owner of a .328 average, 38 runs scored, and a .419 on-base percentage.

Pedroia, who had 17 home runs last year, acknowledged that the groin has hindered him.

“A little bit, but that’s a part of the game. I understood that — I wasn’t trying to swing real hard, except that one time where I pulled it. But that stuff happens. That’s what everyday players go through.

We’ll see how he does once the leg heals.