Oh boy. Carl Crawford’s return to the Red Sox will be delayed yet again, as Evan Drellich of MLB.com reports that the high-priced outfielder was pulled from his minor league rehab assignment due to a mild left groin strain.
Crawford must be shut down for five days before the 20-day window on his minor league rehab assignment can be reset. Of course, he could miss more than five days if additional tests reveal anything serious. He is currently on his way back to Boston for evaluation.
This is the second setback for Crawford since January surgery to remove cartilage from his left wrist. The 30-year-old was diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow in late April.
Crawford batted just .255/.289/.405 with a .694 OPS last season in the first year of a seven-year, $142 million contract. His attempt at redemption will have to wait a little bit longer.