One of these days Carl Crawford will play a game in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. It's just not likely to be opening day.
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told reporters on Friday that the team has shut down Crawford for a week and his status for opening day was in question. Nerve irritation in his surgically-repaired elbow has set back Crawford's comeback, which would also be his Dodgers debut. Per the L.A. Times:
“I think it challenges opening day a little bit,” Mattingly said. “[But] I don’t think it’s out of the question ... Opening day would be great. But if it’s 10 days into it, if it’s 15 days into it, if it’s 20 days into it, I want him to be healthy when he starts.”
Mattingly said the Dodgers were being "cautious" with Crawford, which is understandable considering what's happened to the four-time all-star in recent years.
Crawford signed a seven-year, $142 million contract with the Boston Red Sox before the 2011 season. That ended up being a lackluster campaign for Crawford, at .255/.289/.405. Before the 2012 season, he injured wrist and needed surgery. He returned to play 31 games with Boston before injuring himself again and needing Tommy John surgery. He was traded in August, while on the disabled list, to the Dodgers along with Adrian Gonzalez.
Crawford is a career .292/.332/.441 hitter and, if healthy, will form a daunting outfield with Matt Kemp and Andre Either. If healthy, being the key words.
Spring training is here. Stretch out with us.
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