Carl Pavano was forced to get an MRI before his last start against the Cleveland Indians because of lowered fastball velocity among other problems this season which have boosted his ERA to a miserable 5.14. It revealed only minor inflammation of his shoulder and he made the start, but was as ineffective as ever in only 72 pitches where he allowed four runs on six hits.

After being forced to miss the Twins' latest series against the Detroit Tigers he even looked for a second opinion on that MRI, and was planning for a cortisone shot. Fortunately, it looks like Pavano is feeling better and might not need to resort to cortisone after a good week of work, according to a tweet by Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.

Pavano is "feeling fantastic." Had a real good week. Might not get a cortisone shot after all. #Twins

— Phil Mackey (@PMac21) May 18, 2012

Any good news for Pavano right now is great, after such a terrible year so far, any improvement for their usually solid veteran will be of help to the recently lowly Twins in the future.

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