Dodgers’ Carl Crawford returns from DL stay that ‘felt like forever’

Reporting from ATLANTA — Carl Crawford was reinstated Tuesday from the 60-day disabled list, ending a recovery process that he said felt like an eternity.

Crawford, who was put on the DL because of a torn side muscle, played in 10 minor league games in a rehabilitation assignment that spanned three weeks.

The good-natured outfielder laughed as he recalled the experience.

“It felt like forever, you know?” he said. “I’m used to go down for like three days and coming back up. I thought I [upset] somebody.”

Crawford was still laughing as he said he wasn’t warned that he would be spending multiple weeks in Oklahoma City, home of the Dodgers’ triple-A affiliate.

“That was a total surprise,” he said. “Shock. I’m still shocked by it. The people down there were shocked by it, you know? People were starting to really think I was on the team and wasn’t coming back up.”

Crawford said that when he returned to Oklahoma City after the All-Star break, spectators shouted at him, “You’re still here?”

“I had to take all that,” he said. “It was a little embarrassing.”

Crawford entered the Dodgers’ 4-3 defeat to the Atlanta Braves as an eighth-inning pinch-runner. Although Crawford is expected start Wednesday in the series finale, he will be primarily a reserve for the foreseeable future as Andre Ethier has established himself as the team’s everyday left fielder.

Crawford said he understands.

“I want to play,” he said. “Donnie’s going to do his best to mix me in when he can, but you can’t argue with what’s been going on. I’ll just have to wait my turn.”

Extra bases

Manager Don Mattingly drew his fourth ejection this season in the eighth inning. Mattingly was defending Justin Turner, who showed his displeasure for a called strike after grounding out that inning. … Brandon Beachy, the starting pitcher Monday, was sent to Oklahoma City to create a place on the active roster for Crawford. Triple-A right-hander Preston Guilmet was designated for assignment so Crawford could be added to the 40-man roster.