BOSTON — Red Sox left fielder Carl Crawford suffered a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring in the first inning Friday night against Milwaukee. He will be re-evaluated Saturday after a night of treatment, and is hopeful that he will not miss much time.
"I got the MRI and it’s a slight strain, Grade 1," Crawford said. "We’ll come back tomorrow and see where things are."
Crawford lunged to beat out an infield hit during a two-run rally in the first. He came up limping and was immediately lifted for a pinch runner. He was walking without a limp in the clubhouse following the game, but with a guy who depends so much upon his legs, the team will be careful in its approach.
"Probably," manager Terry Francona said when asked if treating a runner like Crawford is a bit different with such injuries. "We'll do what’s right."
Fortunately, Boston got Darnell McDonald back from the disabled list this week. He and Mike Cameron will probably share duties in left if Crawford has to miss any time.
Crawford was one of two starters forced to depart during the game. Third baseman Kevin Youkilis left after just four innings with a stomach issue. Francona, as is his practice, called it "intestinal turmoil." Youkilis should be back in there Saturday night.
