Watch: Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia leaves game after being told his wife's in labor

(CBS/AP) To quote manager Bobby Valentine, it's been a "lousy" seasonfor the Boston Red Sox.

But at least second baseman Dustin Pedroia got a dose of good news in the 7th inning of last night's Yankees-Sox game when Valentine walked onto to the field and told the star that his wife had gone into labor

"I just got the word and told him, `It's time.' I told him to leave. I didn't ask him," Valentine said.

A clearly surprised Pedroia scampered off the field, high-fived a teammate and left the stadium.

Some players have come under fire for missing playing time to be present for the birth of a child. Last year, a Texas newspaper columnist criticizedRangers pitcher Colby Lewis for choosing to be in the delivery room for the birth of his second child instead of taking his turn on the pitcher's mound. (For the record, Pedroia and his wife were expecting their second child).

Valentine said it's understandable how things have changed from when he played, with players leaving for family issues.

"Yes it's a change, and I think family's the No. 1 important thing in everyone's life," he said.