Prospect Injury Notes: Crawford activation imminent, Watson progressing

Top Phillies prospect J.P. Crawford, who has been out of action since late March with an oblique strain, is nearing a return.

After required rest, the 20-year-old is back in action, playing daily with the extended spring training team in Florida.

According to Crawford, he is feeling “ready to go”, but the decision to activate him to a full-season team roster, either Class A Advanced Clearwater or Double-A Reading, will come from the team’s athletic training staff, who is keeping a close eye on the youngster.

Crawford, who represented the Phillies in last year’s MLB All-Star Futures Game, was the organization’s top draft selection in 2013.  He sported a .285/.375/.406 slash line in 123 games combined at two levels last year.

Additionally, right-handed hurler Shane Watson continues to recover from his second shoulder surgery.

According the the 21-year-old Watson, he tossed two innings of live batting practice on Tuesday.  He’ll continue his throwing program and anticipates competing with the extended spring training team

in one week.

Watson, who last pitched in a regular season game with Class A Lakewood in 2013, was the Phils’ top draft pick the year prior.  He tallied a 4-7 record with a 4.44 ERA and a .227 batting average against in 21 combined games at two levels.

The goal for Watson, once he’s stretched out without any setbacks this season, is for him to return to Lakewood, according to Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan.

Crawford and Watson grew up as childhood friends and were teammates at Lakewood High School in California.