Carl Crawford Reiterates Need For Tommy John Surgery While Bobby Valentine Contradicts Him

by abournenesn

Jul 29, 2012

Carl Crawford Reiterates Need For Tommy John Surgery While Bobby Valentine Contradicts HimNEW YORK –– The discrepancies surrounding Carl Crawford's elbow injury have continued.

During his rehabilitation, Crawford contemplated undergoing Tommy John surgery for his troublesome elbow. While he elected to play, he's routinely indicated that he'll need the procedure –– a notion he reiterated again during the Yankees' series.

"That's what the doctor told me," Crawford said of needing surgery. "I'll try not to even think about it. I go out and play, try not to think about it. I figure one day it'll blow out, and when that happens, time to go.

"The later I wait to get it done, the more time I'm going to miss. I guess you guys can do the calculation on that and see how that works. I definitely know that at some point of my career I can't keep playing with this ligament in my elbow like that."

The comments occurred after Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine's expressed his intention to implement a medically-mandated "four-day plan" for Crawford, meaning the outfielder can't play in more than four consecutive games to alleviate pain in the elbow.

Crawford was unhappy with the decision, but said he'd adhere to the program moving forward. And on Sunday morning, Valentine contradicted the 30-year-old's assertion that elbow surgery was a necessity.

"I heard what Carl said," Valentine said. "I’ve never been told that he needs an operation. I don’t think that’s a definitive situation."

While Crawford has played without any noticeable issue, he's insists the pain in his elbow hasn't subsided. That's why, Valentine said, the medical staff's new program is critical to Crawford's health.

"I would think that would give you guys a better understanding of why the medical staff thinks he should be rested every periodic time," Valentine said. "But it’s a very simple thing. It bothers him and you don’t want it to get to the point where it’s intolerable. It made sense to me. And we’re hoping that it’s going to hurt less and bother him less and that’s why we have a prescribed program."

Either way, there's confusion about Crawford's prognosis.

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