Dice-K, Edgin target weekend return to bullpen

MIAMI -- Ailing Mets relievers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Josh Edgin both received cortisone injections in their pitching elbows, according to manager Terry Collins, putting them on track to rejoin the team this weekend in Cincinnati.

Collins was unaware of the exact malady affecting Matsuzaka, who had trouble warming up last weekend at Citi Field and has not pitched since. But the issue was severe enough for doctors to administer a dose of cortisone.

"They're not very excited about injecting elbows, because it softens the ligaments," Collins said.

Edgin, who has not pitched since Aug. 23 due to right elbow tendinitis, also received an injection in New York. The Mets recalled right-hander Erik Goeddel and lefty Dario Alvarez from the Minors earlier this week to insulate their bullpen while those two recover.

Edgin in particular has developed into a cog in New York's bullpen, posting a 1.40 ERA in 41 appearances.