Carl Crawford scheduled to hit in Dodgers minor league game

PHOENIX -- Carl Crawford is scheduled to hit Thursday in a minor league game against Meiji University of Japan, two days after he took live batting practice.

This appears to mark progress for Crawford, who is recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery. The last time Crawford faced live pitching, he had to be shut down for a week. The outfielder has been working out for the last week.

Depending on how he feels hitting, Crawford could also resume throwing Thursday.

Zack Greinke, who skipped his last start because of elbow inflammation, is still scheduled to play catch on Friday. Manager Don Mattingly said the earliest Greinke would be able to throw a bullpen session would be next week.

Mattingly said the Dodgers have started to think about what they might do if Greinke isn’t ready to pitch at the start of the regular season.

The Dodgers will host the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. Here’s their lineup:

Mark Ellis 2B
Andre Ethier RF
Matt Kemp CF
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Jerry Hairston Jr. LF
Luis Cruz 3B
A.J. Ellis C
Alfredo Amezaga SS
Chris Capuano P

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