Pavano returns to Twins after shoulder work

MLB.com—Milwaukee—May 18, 2012

Right-hander Carl Pavano returned to the Twins on Friday after spending time back in Minneapolis to work on strengthening his right shoulder.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he's pleased with the progress that Pavano is making, and said he remains hopeful Pavano won't need a cortisone shot, as they initially thought.

Pavano said he had MRI exam results sent to Dr. David Altchek at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York for a second opinion. But that Altchek agreed with Twins team doctor John Steubs' assessment that Pavano can pitch through the injury. Altchek also told Pavano that he doesn't need a cortisone shot if his shoulder continues to make progress.

This story originally appeared at twinsbaseball.com.