Twins Place Joe Mauer on DL

Added on Apr 15, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

Catcher Joe Mauer’s return from offseason knee surgery was disrupted after the Twins placed him on the 15-day disabled list due to leg weakness. His surgically repaired left knee has been relatively pain free, but compensating for the injury has caused other parts of his body to become increasingly sore. In addition to the knee, Mauer is also dealing with flu-like symptoms.

Obviously, it’s not a good sign that Mauer is struggling to stay healthy this early in the season. He was eased through spring training in hopes he’d be ready to go when the games that count began. However, fatigue two weeks into April is a reason for concern. Mauer is scheduled to visit the same specialist who treated his back injury in 2009, which may shed some light on his present condition.

The 27-year-old has a career batting average of .327 and is a three-time batting champion. In nine games this season, he is hitting .235 with four RBI. The Twins currently sit at the bottom of the AL Central, four games behind division leading Cleveland.

Source: ESPN.com