Carl Crawford wants to have season-ending Tommy John surgery, but is afraid to tell the Red Sox because of how the decision will be perceived, according to two sources.
Crawford is in the second season of a seven-year, $142 million contract.
Crawford spoke with Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington on Saturday, but made no mention of wanting to undergo surgery.
"He knows if he ever feels that way, there is an open door to come in," Cherington said. "The last thing we would ask him to do is anything he's not comfortable with. It's up to him."
Crawford has a legitimate elbow injury and the belief is that if he undergoes the surgery now, he'll be full strength for the 2013 season.
He underwent wrist surgery in January, causing him to open the season on the disabled list. While rehabbing at the team's training facility, he subsequently hurt his elbow.
Carl Crawford wants to have season-ending Tommy John surgery, but is afraid to tell the Red Sox because of how the decision will be perceived, according to two sources.
Crawford is in the second season of a seven-year, $142 million contract.
Crawford spoke with Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington on Saturday, but made no mention of wanting to undergo surgery.
"He knows if he ever feels that way, there is an open door to come in," Cherington said. "The last thing we would ask him to do is anything he's not comfortable with. It's up to him."
Crawford has a legitimate elbow injury and the belief is that if he undergoes the surgery now, he'll be full strength for the 2013 season.
He underwent wrist surgery in January, causing him to open the season on the disabled list. While rehabbing at the team's training facility, he subsequently hurt his elbow.
