Touch 'Em All: Carl Crawford to have surgically repaired elbow examined

Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford could miss the April 1 opener against San Francisco after leaving spring training in Glendale, Ariz., to have his elbow examined in Los Angeles.

Recovering from elbow ligament-replacement surgery on Aug. 23, Crawford felt nerve irritation in his left arm. The Dodgers said Friday he was examined a day earlier and was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and told to rest.

Crawford was back in camp Friday and will not take batting practice or throw for about seven days, according to Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. He will participate in other drills.

Cleveland Indians all-star closer Chris Perez could be sidelined one month because of a strained shoulder.

Perez, who saved 39 games last season, will not throw for the next week to 10 days. Once he resumes his program, the Indians estimate he will be pitching in games in three or four weeks.

Texas Rangers rightfielder Nelson Cruz was cleared of more serious issues after team doctors diagnosed a muscle strain in his chest.

- Associated Press