Carl Crawford Expected Back Before All-Star Break

Last night the Boston Red Sox announced that outfielder Carl Crawford has been diagnosed with an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow.  While it was initially reported that Crawford would be forced to miss three months due to the injury, the Red Sox are saying they expect their $142 million man back before the All-Star break and perhaps as early as June.

Crawford was initially sidelined for the start of the 2012 regular season while rehabbing his wrist.  During rehab, Crawford injured his elbow which has been a lingering issue.  At first Crawford and the Red Sox said that the discomfort could be resolved by simply having the outfielder take a few days off from throwing.

Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Crawford’s discomfort persisted and the team ultimately scheduled an appointment with Dr. James Andrews.  This visit resulted in the diagnosis of the UCL sprain.

Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe initially reported that Crawford would be sidelined for three months as a result of the sprain.  However, later last night the Red Sox announced that surgery will not be required and that Crawford could return as soon as June.

With a pair of All-Stars in Crawford and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury currently on the disabled list, the Red Sox went out and acquired veteran outfielder Marlon Byrd.  Boston appears content moving forward with Byrd, Cody Ross, Ryan Sweeney and Darnell McDonald as their outfield contingent until Ellsbury and Crawford return.

For more on the Red Sox be sure to check out BoSox Injection.

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