Carl Crawford will miss at least 3 months while rehabbing the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, a league source told ESPN on Thursday. The Boston Red Sox outfielder visited with Dr. James Andrews earlier this month to determine the cause of his discomfort. Since the visit, Crawford has apparently opted to forgo surgery.

Crawford started the season on the disabled list after undergoing surgery in January to repair damage to his left wrist. Discomfort developed during Spring Training, and just days before the season opener he was flown to Boston to undergo an MRI.

Crawford's absence is a major blow to the Red Sox, who are already without Jacoby Ellsbury in center field due to a shoulder injury. Boston is just 7-10 on the year, and currently mired in a three-game losing streak.

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