Oh, My Elbow Bone! Crawford Likely Headed For Tommy John Surgery.

Although not a certainty, all indications are pointing to an early Carl Crawford exit from the Red Sox lineup to have seasone-ending Tommy John surgery to repair a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament. The decision to have surgery has not been confirmed by the Red Sox. Crawford, however, said earlier in the year that he would play in pain only as long as Boston was in contention. With the Sox 6.5 games out of the wild card race, trailing four other teams and one improbable streak from contending it will be fascinating to see when Crawford determines that Boston doesn’t have a chance as opposed to measuring their contention by mathematical elimination.

Boston.com flatly stated in a article published today that Crawford wants surgery now. The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham reported that a Major League Baseball Source said that Crawford would have surgery as early as this week.

Earlier in the year Crawford had a injection of platelet-rich plasma to promote healing, which has had little affect. Although not available for comment after Boston’s 4-1 win over the Yankees, Crawford did tell Fox Sports before the game that the surgery is something he thinks about every day.

If Crawford has the surgery now, his 6-8 month rehab – normal for position players – might mean that he would be ready for Opening Day 2013.

Take the spell away and turn me back into a man
An’ give me credit, ya know I’m doin’ all I can
Grab onto somethin’ that you think you can hold
Grab onto somethin’ ’cause you’re growin’ old

Yes, I’ve been broken too
Yes, I’ve been broken too
Just like you
– Broken, The Guess Who