J.P. Crawford progressing back from injury

If everything goes well, top-prospect J.P. Crawford will be back on the field around the first week of May, said Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan.

Crawford, 20, was able to swing a bat this week after straining his left oblique during spring training.

"We're going to test him over the next few days and try to amp up his activity," Jordan said. "...It's hard to be specific with a date."

Crawford will begin the season in high-A Clearwater, where he spent the second half of last season. The shortstop hit .275 in 236 at-bats with the Threshers. He made 17 errors in 62 games and spent the offseason working on his defense. Baseball America ranks Crawford as the organization's top prospect and the 14th-best in all of baseball.

“J.P.’s fine. He’s a very mature kid,” Jordan said. “It’s just part of it. He’s doing fine.”