MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer’s return from the disabled list has been delayed.
The reigning AL batting champion, who was hitting .353 when he strained his left quadriceps earlier this month, showed up sore on Wednesday for the second straight day.
The team’s latest target was to activate Mauer for Friday’s game at Oakland, but team trainers wanted to limit his activities with his leg still sore.
“They’re not going to try to push the issue,” manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Since May 6, the day after Mauer was out, backup Mike Redmond is batting .413. Chris Heintz was in the lineup on Wednesday, with an afternoon start following a night game.
The Twins have picked up their offense, scoring four or more runs in 11 straight games and 19 runs against the Chicago White Sox while winning the first two games of the series. That has helped soften Mauer’s absence, but he’s still missed.
“We all want to see him out on the field. He just makes us a better ballclub,” Gardenhire said.
Team doctors have decided Mauer doesn’t need a second MRI test, but the Twins will wait until everyone is sure he’s ready – including Mauer.
“I want Joe to tell me that he can play,” Gardenhire said.
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