Twins put pitcher Pavano on DL with shoulder strain

Unclear how long righthander will be out

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Minnesota Twins have placed Carl Pavano
on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain and reinstated
right-hander Nick Blackburn to start later this week.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said before Monday night’s game against the
Kansas City Royals that Pavano would “get away from baseball” to allow
strength to return to his shoulder.

He doesn’t know how long Pavano will be out.

The 36-year-old Pavano is 2-5 with a 6.00 ERA in 11 starts this
season. He struggled mightily last Friday against Cleveland, allowing
six runs and nine hits in 3 2-3 innings.

Blackburn, who is 1-4 with an 8.37 ERA, has been on the DL with a
strained left quad. He’ll start Wednesday’s game against Kansas City.