Rays first baseman Carlos Pena was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left index finger.

Pena suffered the injury during the first at bat of Tuesday's game in Boston when he was hit by a pitch. He later doubled and homered (photo).

Pena said he was in pain all through Tuesday's game, especially when throwing "10 out of 10," but was hoping the swelling would go down.

But after getting re-evaluated early Wednesday, Pena said he'd rather be cautious now than be lost for the season if the injury got worse.

"I kept on telling them, Joe (Maddon) and the guys, I kept on telling them that if I get the swelling down, I can go," Pena said. "I can deal with the pain. But it’s just not smart, when you’ve got the experts’ opinion ... what are you going to do?"

Eric Hinske took Pena's spot at first base, and will likely platoon with Willy Aybar at first, depending on whether the Rays are facing a left or righthanded pitcher.

The Rays recalled outfielder Justin Ruggiano.

Rays

Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Upton, cf

Floyd, dh

Longoria, 3b

Navarro, c

hinske, 1b

Gross, rf

Bartlett, ss

RED SOX
Ellsbury, lf

pedroia, 3b

drew, rf

ramirez, dh

lowell, 3b

Youkilis, 1b

Varitek, c

crisp, cf

lugo, ss

Beckett, p
-- JOE SMITH, Times Staff Writer