MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Joe Mauer could be back with the Minnesota Twins in less than two weeks.
Rehabilitating his balky lower back in Florida, the All-Star catcher will play in a simulated game Monday. He'll then play a handful of games with Minnesota's rookie league team, before playing in six more games for the Class A Fort Myers Miracle. The Twins want Mauer to get about 50 at-bats and 10 games, with at least half of those as the catcher.Manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday the final part of the plan is to put Mauer behind the plate for consecutive games to test his strength and stamina before activating him from the disabled list.
If Mauer stays on schedule, he's on track to rejoin the Twins for their May 1 game at home against the Kansas City Royals.
