Twins star Joe Mauer back in lineup as catcher for 1st time since heel injury vs White Sox

Twins’ Mauer returns to lineup as catcher, not DH

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins star Joe Mauer is in the lineup at catcher against the Chicago White Sox for the first time since injuring his heel on April 30.

The AL MVP missed eight games with a deep bruise in his left heel. He pinch-hit against Baltimore on Saturday night, then got his first start on Sunday when he was the designated hitter against the Orioles.

Mauer went 1 for 3 as a DH in the victory over Baltimore. Wilson Ramos filled in primarily for Mauer during his absence.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has said the team was going to ease Mauer back into catching to ensure that the injury healed. When the lineups were released for the game Tuesday night against the White Sox, Mauer was down as the catcher in his customary No. 3 spot in the order.