Joe Mauer could return from the DL to the Twins’ lineup as soon as Saturday night, according to manager Paul Molitor. Mauer’s been sidelined by an injury for the first time since 2014.
Prior to the All-Star break, he went on the 10-day DL after being held out of the lineup for consecutive games with some back soreness.
But Friday, he was with his teammates in Houston taking batting practice.
Another BP round for Joe Mauer in Houston. #MNTwins https://t.co/McdyPlFhkw
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) July 14, 2017
Mauer’s back must have been feeling good after taking some cuts in the batters box because he then made his way out to the field to test himself on defense.
Joe Mauer takes throws at first during BP as he tries to come off the DL after minimum 10-day stay. #mntwins pic.twitter.com/vT8QTuySOE
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) July 14, 2017
All signs during Friday’s warm-ups were positive, and even though he will be watching tonight’s game from the dugout, it appears Mauer is on track to get back on the diamond as soon as Saturday against the Astros.
Mollie, on Mauer: :"I'd be surprised if he's not ready to be active tomorrow"
— LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) July 14, 2017
Mauer is hitting .286 has 34 RBI and 5 HR on the season. The Twins hope to see familiar No. 7 back at first base soon.
