Carl Crawford out of Dodgers’ lineup with fever [Updated]

That Dodgers’ surplus of star outfielders is having trouble just filling out the starting lineup.

While Matt Kemp remains on the disabled list because of a sprained ankle, the Dodgers had to start Saturday’s game without left fielder Carl Crawford.

Crawford has been battling a fever for the past two days and was taken to the White Memorial Hospital for precautionary reasons before the game with the Reds.

He returned prior to the start of the game. The Dodgers said he was simply sick and had a fever.

[Updated at 6:40 p.m.: The Dodgers said after returning to Dodger Stadium from White Memorial, Crawford did leave and head back home before the game started.]

“He wasn’t feeling great yesterday and ended up bouncing back,” Manager Don Mattingly said. “To me he didn’t look as good today. I was going to play him today, but he didn’t look great.

“I’ll shoot for tomorrow. I think we’ll be OK with him, it’s fairly precautionary.”

Mattingly said Crawford felt better after taking batting practice Friday, so it was decided to play him. Crawford went three for four Friday against the Reds.

Skip Schumaker started for Crawford on Saturday and took his place in the leadoff spot.