<p>GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Carl Crawford's elbow irritation has improved enough that he will start hitting off a tee on Thursday, but it still appears unlikely the Dodgers outfielder will be ready for Opening Day.</p><p>Crawford, who underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction in August, was shut down from hitting and throwing for a week when he experienced discomfort. He'll begin hitting, without throwing, as the club attempts to determine which activity caused the irritation.</p><p>"He's doing good, not feeling anything at all," manager Don Mattingly said. "He'll be monitored now on a rehab program by the number of swings taken. He'll start in the cage. It will be controlled."</p><p>Crawford has been able to do other baseball activities like baserunning and shagging, so it isn't as if he's beginning Spring Training all over. But the club wants to avoid another elbow episode.</p><p><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130306&content_id=42346060&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb">Keep reading...</a></p>