Mauer’s back!
Today, Friday, Twins catcher Joe Mauer will officially return to the team off the 15-day disabled list. That will come as good news to Twins fans, as Mauer has missed way more than 15 days with a strained quadriceps muscle… it was actually 29 games. When healthy and active, Mauer has been hitting .359 this season.
The Twins thus far are 29-29 on the season, a full seven games behind AL Central-leading Cleveland. Replacement C Mike Redmond has been no slouch in relief, hitting .301, but with 10 fewer games and 41 fewer at-bats, Mauer has scored more runs (18) than Redmond (12), and their other stats are closer than they ought to be for a 10-game difference.
I’m not saying Redmond isn’t fit to change Mauer’s water bottle filter or anything like that; but the Twins will certainly welcome Mauer back. With Mauer, the Twins were above .500 and without him they’ve only treaded water to stay at .500.
More than his stats, however, is what Mauer means to the Twins; along with Justin Morneau, the Twins are Mauer’s team. The M&M Boys are the clubhouse leaders of the squad and his return is certain to lift the team back into contention for the AL Central lead by not only his contributions but the inspiration his leadership will provide.
