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Crawford Returns To Red Sox Lineup, Batting Second

BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox have waited all season for Carl Crawford to make his 2012 debut.

That night finally comes Monday night.

Crawford has been activated from the 60-day disabled list and will bat second for Boston when they open a four-game set against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park.

"I'm happy to know I'm playing in a big league game today," Crawford said from Fenway Park on Monday. "I'm a little nervous, but at the end of the day I'm happy knowing I'll be back on the field."

Crawford will bat second, a spot he didn't hit much out of last season.

"Definitely excited about it," he said of hitting second, behind the speedy Jacoby Ellsbury. "There's no secret I like being at the top of the order. I was ready to hit anywhere in the lineup, but when I saw I was hitting second I got a little more excited."

Read: Red Sox-White Sox Preview

Crawford said his body is feeling good and he isn't going to worry about an elbow issue that has him thinking Tommy John surgery in the future. He intends to give it his all on every play, which includes wreaking havoc on the base paths.

"Every chance I get on I'm looking to put pressure on the other team," he said. "That's what I came here to do. With the opportunity, I'll def try to do that."

To make room for Crawford on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox will likely option outfielder Brent Lillibridge to Triple-A Pawtucket. Lillibridge was sent to Boston from the White Sox in the trade for third baseman Kevin Youkilis, who returns to Fenway Park on Monday night for the first time since the deal.

Here is the full Red Sox lineup for Monday night:

1 Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

2. Carl Crawford, LF

3. David Ortiz, DH

4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B

5. Cody Ross, RF

6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C

7. Will Middlebrooks, 3B

8. Mike Aviles, SS

9. Pedro Ciriaco, 2B

Gresh & Zo: Excited For Carl Crawford?

The 30-year-old Crawford has been sidelined since spring training after suffering a wrist injury. In his first season in Boston, Crawford hit just .255 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI in 130 games.

But he won't be putting too much pressure on himself to go out and perform, even admitting that he put too much on himself last season.

Read: Pedroia Talks Youkilis' Return

"I definitely want to prove it to myself that I can still play this game at this high level. I want to help this team win," said Crawford.

"I think we're a really good team.With everyone healthy I think we're one of the best teams in baseball," he added.

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