Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford shut down with balky elbow

Boston, MA, United States (AHN Sports) – Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford has an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow and is being shut down from baseball activity.

Crawford was examined by Dr. James Andrews on Thursday and he confirmed the diagnosis made by the team’s medical staff.

“Carl Crawford was examined by the Red Sox medical staff,” the Red Sox said. “He was diagnosed as having a left elbow ulnar collateral ligament sprain. A conservative treatment protocol was recommended.

“Carl was also examined by Dr. James Andrews who was in agreement with the assessment and plan. Carl received a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection and will be shut down from baseball activity during the initial phase of his treatment.”

According to a report, Crawford could miss three months,but Crawford disputed that time frame in a text to the Boston Herald.

“I don’t know where they got three months from,” Crawford texted. “I’m good. It’s just one of those things you can’t control. I’m still looking forward to coming back strong.”

Manager Bobby Valentine wasn’t sure what to make of the news that Crawford won’t have surgery but won’t be back right away.

“Is that good news?” he said after Thursday’s 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox. “It is what it is. We’ll just let Mother Nature take the time to heal him up and get him back. I wish he was 100 percent. Not playing for a while is going to kill him even more than it’s killing me.”

The elbow injury is the latest setback for Crawford since he inked a seven-year, $142 million contract with Boston before last season.

Crawford hit .255 with a .289 on-base percentage, 11 homers and 18 stolen bases last season with the Red Sox, a far cry from his production with the Tampa Bay Rays for nine seasons.

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