Crawford set to make season debut with Red Sox

Ready or not, Carl Crawford is on the verge of rejoining the Boston Red Sox.

Crawford wrapped up his minor league rehab assignment Saturday night at Triple-A Pawtucket and is expected to be reinstated from the disabled list before Monday night's game against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park. The $142 million left fielder has not yet played in a game this season because of injuries to his wrist, elbow and groin.

"I'm just ready to get back on the field," Crawford told reporters. "I've been out long enough. No matter what happens, I'm just happy to be back on the field and ready to get that feeling of being back on the field and playing again."

In 25 plate appearances in Double-A and Triple-A, Crawford batted .364 with a .440 on-base percentage and two stolen bases. But hitting was never much of a concern as he recovered from a sprained ligament in his left elbow. Instead, the Red Sox are hoping Crawford is able to make throws from the outfield with a minimal amount of pain. He said recently that he still has some discomfort in his elbow and may ultimately need surgery.

"I don't know if there's ever a perfect night to come back," Crawford said. "It's just good to be back, period. That's what I'm looking forward to -- just being back."

Crawford was slated to miss a few weeks in April while recovering from left wrist surgery. But during his rehabilitation, he felt discomfort in his elbow while throwing. He was diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament and was shut down from baseball activity for nearly a month.