Dodgers’ Carl Crawford faces live major league pitching

PHOENIX – Carl Crawford faced relievers Kenley Jansen and J.P. Howell on Tuesday, marking the first time he took live batting practice against major league pitchers since he was shut down two weeks ago.

“A step in the right direction,” said Crawford, who resumed working out last week.

Crawford, who is recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery, was encouraged by how he felt.

“Your timing at this point is never going to be the way you want it, but it wasn’t as far off as I would expect it to be, either,” he said.

Crawford had hit against coaches in the last week.

“It’s a little faster,” Crawford said of facing Jansen and Howell. “You have to speed your hands up a little bit more, get ready a little early.”

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