This statement was released by the Red Sox:

“Carl Crawford has a chronic left elbow ulnar collateral ligament tear. While he has been following a conservative treatment protocol and playing with this injury, his symptoms are getting worse.

After consultation with the Boston Red Sox medical staff and with Dr. James Andrews, the decision has been made to proceed with a left elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery). The surgery will be performed by Dr. Andrews on Thursday, August 23. We expect Carl to make a full recovery.”

Crawford obviously will miss the rest of the season. For position players, the recovery time is usually 6-8 months. That gives him a chance of being ready for Opening Day in 2013.

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General Manager Ben Cherington is expected to speak later Monday.