"We wanted to make sure we do what needs to be done once so this isn't something that bothers Joe on and off for a long time," said general manager Bill Smith. "We're willing to wait as long as it takes for that to happen."

In other words, don't pencil Mauer into the Twins' lineup on Opening Night. The All-Star catcher admitted he's doubtful for the season's first few weeks, given that he still hasn't taken part in any sort of baseball workout.

Mauer's days consist of light exercises with the trainers and some weight-lifting.

But the pain has nothing to do with his Dec. 22 kidney surgery, doctors determined, and it doesn't appear to be chronic.

"It gives me hope that we can get this taken care of and put it behind us," the two-time batting champion said. Nobody can determine the cause of the inflammation, "and that's what's so frustrating," Mauer said.

Mauer flew to Baltimore to be examined by a specialist, and the Twins also forwarded his records to specialists in Minnesota.

All confirmed the original diagnosis by team doctors.

"I have good days and bad days, but I'm not ready to get on a baseball field yet," Mauer said. "It's frustrating, but now we can proceed toward taking care of it."