Joe Mauer is recovering from surgery to correct "a minor kidney obstruction that he's had since birth," Minnesota Twins general manager Bill Smith said today. But the all-star catcher is expected to be ready for spring training next month.
"It's something that had been bother him for a while," Smith said. "He had been experiencing some minor pain from it, and when doctors checked it out, (surgery) was the way to take care of it." Mauer, who led the American League in hitting last season with a .328 average, underwent the procedure at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., on Dec. 22. The surgery was successful, and Mauer has resumed preparations for spring training, which opens in a little more than six weeks. Smith said doctors expect Mauer to take part normally.
"They got it taken care of, and he should be fine. No effects whatsoever," Smith said.
Whether the procedure will affect Mauer's participation in the World Baseball Classic is uncertain, however. Team USA's roster will be released later this month, and Mauer was expected to be named to the squad.
