MLB notes • Dodgers’ Carl Crawford sidelined by sore elbow.

The Associated Press

First Published Mar 01 2013 05:19 pm • Last Updated Mar 02 2013 12:05 am

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 Neal ElAttrache, who prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and told Crawford to rest.

Crawford was back in camp Friday in Glendale, Ariz., and will not take batting practice or throw for about seven days, according to Dodgers manager Don Mattingly.

Mattingly called the nerve irritation a "setback."

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

Around the horn

Rangers • Right fielder Nelson Cruz was cleared of more serious issues Friday in Surprise, Ariz., after team doctors diagnosed a muscle strain in his chest. Assistant general manager Thad Levine said Cruz was sent to a hospital to rule out anything else.

Reds • Pitcher Mark Prior has joined Cincinnati in his latest comeback bid. The Reds signed the 32-year-old righty to a minor league contract. This is the fourth straight spring that the oft-injured pitcher has tried to make it back to the majors. Prior pitched for Boston in Triple-A last season, making 19 relief appearances with a 3.96 ERA.

Indians • All-Star closer Chris Perez could be sidelined one month because of a strained shoulder. Perez, who saved 39 games last season, will not throw for the next week to 10 days, and likely will not return to game action for four to five weeks.

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