Ailing Feldman gets cortisone shot for shoulder, Astros' return in question

Apr 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Scott Feldman (46) throws out a runner at first base during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Feldman received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder on Tuesday and was heading back to Houston for a second opinion, manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com's Oliver Macklin.

Feldman had a setback with his shoulder inflammation situation a few days ago after leaving his September 1 start early with discomfort in his pitching arm.

Obviously, necessitating a cortisone shot - and perhaps a second, as Hinch told Macklin - isn't good for his prognosis. Hinch added that the club isn't sure where he stands at the moment as long as his shoulder is still an issue: "We're still in the evaluation stage," Hinch said to Macklin. "He hasn't made any progress yet. He's continuing to get opinions on his shoulder."

Feldman is 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA for the Astros overall, though he had been pitching well before the shoulder discomfort flared up.

(h/t MLB.com)