All-Star Catcher Mauer Excited To Return To Twins
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Joe Mauer has returned to Minnesota.
The Twins announced after Thursday's game that their four-time All-Star catcher will be reinstated from the 60-day disabled list prior to Friday's game, ending an absence of more than two months created by soreness and weakness in his legs and throwing shoulder.
Mauer was batting .235 with one extra-base hit when he went out with the lingering effects of offseason arthroscopic knee surgery. He says he feels strong and healthy.
"I don't think anybody is 100 percent in major league baseball right now," Mauer said after Thursday's 1-0 win over the White Sox. "I'm feeling great, you know and making a lot of progress. Am I going to catch the last whatever how many games we have? No, but I can kind of get back to playing and catch back-to-back days, and that's what I need to do."
Left-handed reliever Glen Perkins will also be reinstated on Friday from the 15-day disabled list. Outfielder Brian Dinkelman was sent to Triple-A Rochester and removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Mauer. Left-hander Chuck James was sent to Triple-A Rochester to make room for Perkins.
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