Bobby Valentine More Optimistic on Carl Crawford’s Chances of Playing on Opening Day

FORT MYERS, Fla. –– For Carl Crawford, the recovery is ahead of schedule.

After swinging off a tee earlier this week, the Red Sox left fielder took roughly "25 to 30 swings" in the cage on Saturday. So far, Crawford's surgically repaired wrist hasn't hampered him.

"The wrist is coming along fine," Crawford said. "I started [swinging] a couple days ago. This will be like my third or fourth day swinging and it's been getting better everyday."

His activity has surprised manager Bobby Valentine. On the eve of spring training, the Red Sox manager said he expected the four-time All-Star to miss a few weeks of the regular season.

Having watched Crawford train since Monday, Valentine has changed his tune and could envision the speedster in the Opening Day lineup.

"I think it could be realistic, but again I don't know," Valentine said. "I wouldn't doubt it. Talking to Carl, I wouldn't doubt many things. He seems very determined."

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