CLEVELAND (AP) -- Twins pitcher Carl Pavano will return to Minneapolis on Sunday to have an MRI on his sore right shoulder.
Pavano is 2-5 with a 6.00 ERA in 11 starts this season, but hasn't won a game since May 4, going 0-3 with an 8.25 ERA in his last five outings. The 36-year-old had his shortest start of the season Friday against Cleveland, allowing seven runs and nine hits in 3 2-3 innings.
"I think it's just irritated, but we've got to find out where we're at because we've exhausted everything at this point," said Pavano, who has been bothered by soreness in the shoulder since spring training. "I don't think it's something that would require surgery or be career-ending. But at the same time, when you take steps to remedy something and things stand still, instead of getting better, you have to take the next step."
Pavano had an MRI earlier this season. He also has cut back on throwing off the mound between starts and has been given extra days between outings, but his results haven't improved.
Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony and manager Ron Gardenhire said a decision has not been made whether Pavano will make his next scheduled start Wednesday against Kansas City. Right-hander Jeff Manship and lefty Brian Duensing are the top candidates to take his spot, if necessary.
"Carl is going to see (team physician Dr. Dan) Buss, repeat the MRI test either tomorrow or Monday, see where he's at, then we'll decide what to do with him," Antony said.
Pavano has not been placed on the disabled list since 2008, when he completed an injury-plagued stint with the Yankees. He only made nine appearances in a three-year span for New York as a result of reconstructive right elbow surgery, rotator cuff tendinitis and lower back pain.
Pavano is 108-107 with a 4.39 ERA in 14 major league seasons, playing for the Expos, Marlins, Yankees, Indians and Twins. He is in the final year of a two-year contract with Minnesota. Pavano has started 33, 32 and 33 games the last three seasons.
"In New York, I was always hurt, but I've been pretty durable since then," Pavano said. "I also don't feel like I'm at the stage of my career where my stuff should be diminishing this much from where it was. We'll get this figured out and taken care of, so I can get back to helping my teammates every five days."
