MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -The temptation to leave Joe Mauer in the lineup every day has never been greater for Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire, with the reigning AL batting champion getting a hit nearly every other at-bat and averaging a home run every eight at-bats.
But overusing the two-time All-Star catcher is not a risk worth taking for the Twins. He was supposed to have a full day off Monday but still found his way into the lineup as a pinch-hitter and homered against Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning.
It wasn’t enough as the Twins lost 6-5.
Mauer hadn’t been off in two weeks, and Monday appeared to be a good day to rest him following a night game on Sunday. Mauer was hit by a pitch on the right wrist in that game against Milwaukee, but he played through that and showed no problems. This rest was more about preserving his body.
h the next break on June 1. They didn’t play on May 11, but before that the only other times Mauer didn’t start – either as the catcher or designated hitter – were on May 6 and May 3. He entered as a pinch-hitter in the latter game.
On Monday, he did the same, homering with one on and two out in the ninth to pull the Twins within one run.
Since coming off the disabled list on May 1, Mauer has ignited the Minnesota lineup with uncharacteristic power – 11 home runs in just 81 at-bats – plus his usual prowess at working the count and finding his way to first base.
But for a guy who’s had trouble keeping his lower body healthy while playing such a dangerous, grinding position, well, there comes a time when he has to come out – no matter how well he’s swinging.
“It’s really, really hard to sit him down, but you have to,” Gardenhire said. “You just can’t take a chance and wear him out.”
Third baseman Joe Crede was also on the bench against the Red Sox after being hit by a pitch Sunday. His right hand was still swollen, but like Mauer the rest for Crede would have been prescribed regardless due to the quick turnaround.
Crede’s hand was swollen, but just bruised. No X-rays were ordered yet.
Outfielder Denard Span sat out for the second straight game due to an illness that has caused him lightheadedness. Jason Kubel returned as the designated hitter, however, after missing two games due to a swollen knee.
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