Joe Mauer to make debut at first base
Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer is set to make his first MLB start at first base tonight against the Chicago White Sox. Mauer has battled injuries all season, having spent over two months on the disabled list. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire says the move is temporary and that he still sees Mauer as his primary catcher.
On the move to first, Mauer commented, “For me, it’s going to be a grind the rest of the way, physically. So if this allows me to take a day from behind the plate and give my body a little break, it’ll be a good thing.”
If Mauer is able to handle first base, he could continue to see more time there to keep his bat in the lineup on days he doesn’t catch. Regular Twins first baseman Justin Morneau is currently on the disabled list and is not expected back until mid August at the earliest.
Mauer is currently hitting just .223 with 0 homers and 7 RBIs.
