Crawford could miss Dodgers' opener due to elbow

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford could miss his team's April 1 opener against San Francisco after leaving spring training to have his elbow examined in Los Angeles.

Recovering from elbow ligament-replacement surgery on Aug. 23, Crawford felt nerve irritation in his left arm. The Dodgers said Friday he was examined a day earlier by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and told Crawford to rest.

Crawford was back in camp Friday and will not take batting practice or throw for about seven days, according to Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. Crawford will be able to participate in other drills.

Mattingly called the nerve irritation a "setback.''

"To be honest with you, opening day is a question,'' Mattingly said

According to the Dodgers, Crawford has not suffered irritation in the repaired ligament.

Crawford was acquired from the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 25 along with first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, pitcher Josh Beckett and infielder Nick Punto.

According to the Dodgers, Crawford has not suffered irritation in the repaired ligament. He began to feel the irritation Tuesday, a day after taking batting practice.

Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp appears to be making progress from Oct. 5 surgery on his left shoulder. Kemp was slated to make his spring training debut Friday as a designated hitter in a split-squad game against the San Diego Padres.