Gardenhire earlier had relented to Mauer, out with back soreness, by allowing him to catch a minor-league game when he was scheduled to DH. That went well. Mauer went 2-for-4 and was ?flying around the bases, Gardenhire said. The next night, Mauer caught again, the first time hes caught on consecutive days in his rehab that began in extended spring training and before moving on to Class A games Friday.

After that game, however, Mauer reported a case of what Gardenhire called ?catchers butt and heavy legs. That pretty much doomed an early return. Mauer is scheduled to catch for Fort Myers tonight and Tuesday, DH in its game Wednesday morning and rest Thursday ? an off day for the Twins and the Miracle. If all goes well, he will be behind the plate when the Twins play at home Friday against the Royals.

The Twins rank 11th in runs per game in the American League. Mauer should improve that ranking. More importantly, the Twins are just one game under .500 and 1 1/2 games out of first place. Theyve weather his injury well, and are in a good position to make a run at the division once their superstar returns.

Part of that come from Mauers replacements hitting okay. The put together a line of .306/.368/.371. Most teams will take that from behind the plate.

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