Carl Crawford injury: Dodgers OF takes live batting practice

While it's still not clear if Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford will be healthy enough to break camp on the team's active roster, he is making improvements in his recovery process. Crawford took live batting practice against major league pitchers for the first time since he was shut down due to injury two weeks ago, according to Eric Stephen of SB Nation.

Crawford called the session -- during which he took swings against relievers Kenley Jansen and J.P. Howell -- a "step in the right direction." The veteran said he didn't expect his timing to be spot on since he's recovering from such a significant injury. Still, following the session he told reporters that his timing "wasn't as far off as I would expect it to be."

The Dodgers shut Crawford down earlier this month after he experienced minor nerve irritation in his surgically repaired elbow. The outfielder underwent Tommy John surgery on his elbow last season. At the time they shut Crawford down, the Dodgers said the setback challenged his chances of being ready for Opening Day.

The Dodgers acquired Crawford from the Boston Red Sox last season, along with fellow veterans Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto.