Carl Crawford To See Dr. Andrews About Ailing Elbow

Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford is expected to visit Tommy John specialist Dr. James Andrews about his lingering elbow injury, reports ESPN's Buster Olney.

The 30-year-old Crawford, who has been recovering from a January surgery on his left wrist that caused him to begin the season on the disabled list, began complaining of left elbow soreness two weeks ago and had initial tests conducted in Boston.

Though the injury was originally thought to be "general soreness", the left fielder's visit to Dr. Andrews is likely to mean his return to the lineup is still a ways away. Olney reports that Crawford is only experiencing elbow pain when he throws, which cannot be seen as a good sign.

Signed in December 2010 to seven year, $142 million contract with Boston, Crawford had a disappointing inaugural season for the Sox last year, hitting just .255/.289/.405 in 130 games.

With Crawford on the shelf indefinitely and Jacoby Ellsbury out several months, the Red Sox will have to rely on Darnell McDonald, Cody Ross and new acquisition Marlon Byrd to pick up the slack in the outfield.