Will Middlebrooks: Boston Red Sox 3B Reportedly Breaks Wrist

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe is reporting that Will Middlebrooks' injury is being diagnosed as a broken wrist, according to a source:

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Source: Will Middlebrooks has a broken wrist. #RedSox will call up Danny Valencia forSaturday's game.

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— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) August 11, 2012"

As Abraham's tweet states, Danny Valencia is the call-up for Boston to replace the rookie third baseman. Valencia was acquired from the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 5 in exchange for minor league outfielder Jeremias Pineda.

The former Twin was batting .198 with just two home runs and 17 RBI on the season. The three-year veteran has not been able to deliver the same power he did in 2011, when he launched 15 balls into the stands for Minnesota along with 72 RBI.

Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald believes that infielder Nick Punto could also see time at the third base position due to Middlebrooks' injury. Lauber says the Red Sox expect to have a more detailed report on all things Middlebrooks before the game against Cleveland on Aug. 11.

For the injured rookie, this injury puts a sharp halt to an impressive first year in the big leagues. Middlebrooks was batting .288 with 15 homers, 54 RBI and four steals despite starting the 2011 season in the minor leagues.

Abraham was able to chat with Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine about the injury, and Valentine told the Globe reporter Middlebrooks was "hit in a bad spot." Middlebrooks himself said, "I have no idea what it is. I just know it hurts."

Valencia has played in two games for Triple-A Pawtucket since being acquired by Boston. He recorded a three-hit, two RBI performance in the team's 9-3 victory over the Rochester Red Wings on Aug. 10.