Report: LF Carl Crawford to make 2012 debut for Red Sox on Monday

The reinforcements are coming for Boston. We told you about reports that injured Red Sox centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and righthander Clay Buchholz are expected to be activated this weekend. Now comes word from ESPN.com’s Buster Olney that leftfielder Carl Crawford will make his return on Monday, against the Chicago White Sox, allowing Boston to field its projected starting outfield (Crawford, Ellsbury and rightfielder Cody Ross) for the first time this season.

Looks like Carl Crawford will be back on the BOS roster when the Red Sox play the White Sox on July 16.—
Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 11, 2012

Crawford, who signed a seven-year, $142 million free-agent deal before the 2011 season and then had his worst campaign as a pro, originally was sidelined with a wrist problem, but while rehabbing that injury he developed an elbow issue and then tweaked a groin. (Full details here.)

Olney says Crawford’s return does not necessarily mean all is well.

Whether or not Crawford has Tommy John surgery sometime this season will be determined based on how he feels and plays.—
Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 11, 2012

If that happens, Crawford might be out for a season or more.