Monday, May 20, 2013
By Kevin Thomas kthomas@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
PORTLAND — The most popular Portland Sea Dogs game on the schedule just became jazzier.
Boston’s Carl Crawford, a $142-million outfielder on the disabled list, takes batting practice at Hadlock Field on Monday. Crawford underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist in January to remove damaged tissue.
Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Carl Crawford, working out at Hadlock Field Monday, is likely to accompany the team on a three-game road trip to Manchester, N.H., after tonight.
Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Add Carl Crawford to the fireworks.
Crawford, the Boston Red Sox $142-million outfielder, will make a rehab appearance with the Sea Dogs in their 6 p.m. game tonight at Hadlock Field. The game is traditionally a sellout because of the post-game Fourth of July fireworks.
Tonight's game sold out on Monday, although a limited number of returned season tickets might go on sale at 9 a.m. today at the Hadlock box office, if available.
There was a chance that another rehabbing outfielder, Jacoby Ellsbury, would join the Sea Dogs today. Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine hinted about that on Sunday.
But, according to Tim Britton of the Providence Journal, the Red Sox plan for Ellsbury to continue playing in the rookie Gulf Coast League in Florida today.
Crawford, 30, on the disabled list along with Ellsbury, has been out with a variety of ailments in his wrist and elbow. The left-handed Crawford underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist in January to remove damaged tissue. It was still hoped Crawford would be ready opening day.
But during workouts in spring training, Crawford experience pain in his wrist and could not play games.
Then in late April there came a new diagnosis: a sprained ligament in his left elbow. He began his rehab assignment June 23 in the Gulf Coast League.
Crawford did not come up through the Red Sox organization. A veteran of the Tampa Bay Rays, Crawford signed a seven-year, $142-million contract with Boston. He struggled last season with a .255 average.
After today, Crawford would likely stay with the Sea Dogs since they play their next three games in Manchester, N.H., July 4-6. The same goes for Ellsbury, assuming he joins the team after today.
Ellsbury, 28, came up in the Red Sox minor league system, including stops in Portland in 2006 and 2007. He made a rehab appearance in Portland in 2010, and it was also with another rehabbing outfielder, Mike Cameron.
Ellsbury is currently out with a separated shoulder, suffered in the home opener, April 13, when Ellsbury slid into second base to break up a double play.
A third Red Sox outfielder could also be joining the Sea Dogs. According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, Ryan Sweeney, is expected to begin playing rehab games on Thursday, possibly with the Sea Dogs.
All three of the outfielders could then move on to Triple-A Pawtucket Saturday, when the PawSox return from the road.
Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be contacted at 791-6411 or at: kthomas@pressherald.com
Twitter: ClearTheBases
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