MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Joe Mauer will be moving from catcher to first base on a full-time basis for the Minnesota Twins.
The Twins announced the switch Monday for the 30-year-old Mauer, who missed the last six weeks of the season recovering from a concussion. The Twins said they consulted with Mayo Clinic doctors and team physicians, and Mauer and the organization agreed the move was in the best interest of his long-term health given the inherent injury risks behind the plate.
The 2009 AL MVP won the Silver Slugger award for American League catchers this year by batting .324 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs in 113 games. He sustained the concussion from a foul tip off his mask on Aug. 19. The Twins said Mauer’s symptom-free now and has begun offseason workouts without restriction.
