Crawford took about 50 swings during batting practice on Tuesday, impressing with his bat speed and solid stroke. The 30-year-old blasted a few pitches off the Green Monster in left field and even sent one into the deepest part of the park out near the American flag in center to display his range.
It wasn't Crawford's show of power that was the most encouraging revelation on the afternoon, though. Rather the four-time All Star's keen focus and attitude throughout the workout is what truly stuck out most.
"I'm looking forward to [getting back on the field]. It's been a while since I've played so it'd be nice to get back in the lineup," an antsy Crawford said of his recovery. "Try to get into a groove and help the team out as much as possible."
Crawford has been on the disabled list since before the season began, and given his progress both at the plate and with his throwing regiment — which he started just last week — it looks like he could be close to making some rehab appearances in the minors very soon.
"At some point I'm going to get out of here and go down to Ft. Myers I'm guessing and start playing games, get on the fast track, try to get back up here so I can get back in the lineup," Crawford said.
With his absence, as well as that of Jacoby Ellsbury — who was seen taking batting practice on Tuesday as well — and some other Red Sox stars, Crawford has been impressed by the team and is anxiously awaiting the time when he can help win games.
"I think they've been doing a really good job. They've been grinding out games, still at .500 right now, I think things could be way worse with the amount of injuries we had," an impressed Crawford added. "We're still battling, so that's why you want to get back to help the team as much as possible."
He knows there's plenty of time left to right the Red Sox ship this season, and Crawford hopes that he'll be able to return to the field in time to help his team make that all important playoff push.
"We know that it's still along season and a lot of games to be played. We got a lot of key parts coming back," Crawford said confidently. When we get everybody together we definitely feel like we can put together and make a run at this thing."
Tuesday was certainly a good sign for the return of those key parts. And if the injuries continue to heal at this rate, Crawford, Ellsbury and the many other ailing Sox players could have Boston back in contention sooner than expected.
