Mets pitcher Dana Eveland received cortisone injection in elbow

The veteran reliever received a cortisone injection for his elbow in hopes of avoiding a prolonged absence.

Dana Eveland will miss at least today's game because of elbow ailments that prompted him to get a cortisone injection. ESPN NewYork reported that the 30-year-old reliever will return on Friday night at the earliest.

Dana Eveland received a cortisone injection for elbow trouble and is out until at least Friday's series opener at Dodger Stadium.

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) August 20, 2014

Apparently the injection is already helping Eveland.

Dana Eveland said he already is feeling better after cortisone shot, which was for "tennis elbow." Play catch tomorrow, bullpen Friday.

— Anthony Witrado (@awitrado) August 20, 2014

A pleasant surprise in New York's bullpen, Eveland has notched a 3.09 ERA in 23.1 innings along with 21 strikeouts and five walks. He's not just a left-handed specialist, either, as right-handed opponents are hitting a paltry .196/.260/.348 against him. His impressive performance is particularly striking considering his 5.32 career ERA and poor strikeout and walk rates.