Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said on Sunday that the team will set out on its next road trip to Chicago without the services of All Star catcher Joe Mauer.
The Pioneer Press reported that Mauer, diagnosed with a concussion on Aug. 19, has not been cleared to return to play.
“He’s paid to play baseball. If he’s healthy, yeah, he should play. But he’s got to be healthy,” Gardenhire said.
Mauer, paid $23 million annually through 2018, is eager to get back on the field, Gardenhire added.
The Star Tribune adds that Mauer may be in shape to join the team by the time the action moves on to Oakland. Ron Gardenhire insisted that Mauer will play again this year once doctors clear him. The Twins have 15 games remaining in their disappointing season.
