Mauer to see doctor today

BY GORDON WITTENMYER
Pioneer Press

CLEVELAND — The Twins expect to learn today whether they should plan on having catcher Joe Mauer as a designated hitter or pinch hitter in the playoffs.

The rookie from St. Paul is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging test on his injured left knee this morning, followed by an examination by Dr. John Bergfeld of the Cleveland Clinic. Bergfeld is the surgeon who saw Mauer Aug. 11 and offered the independent third opinion that he did not need additional surgery at that time, clearing Mauer to continue rehabilitation toward a return to the lineup this season.

Mauer, who is on the 60-day disabled list, has looked good in batting practice and said Thursday the knee has improved. But unless Bergfeld gives the go-ahead for him to begin running, consider him out for at least the first round of the playoffs.

Center fielder Torii Hunter might sit the rest of the Cleveland series to give his banged-up body an extended rest before getting a few token at-bats next week at New York and closing strong the final weekend against Cleveland before the playoffs start.

Infielder Nick Punto, the Twins' other position player on the 60-day DL trying to get healthy in time for the playoffs, said he's strong enough that he expects to leave for Florida after the Cleveland series and play in Fall Instructional League games to prepare for playoff action.

First baseman Justin Morneau had a pinch-hit, run-scoring single in the ninth inning, his first action since receiving a cortisone shot in his bruised left hand Sunday.

Utility player Michael Cuddyer, who has been out since Tuesday because of a slightly bulging disk in his neck, said he expected to be ready to return to the lineup today after taking anti-inflammatory medication for two days and faring well in batting practice Thursday.

Corner infielder Terry Tiffee, who returned to action Wednesday night in Chicago just nine days after suffering a Grade 2 separation of his right shoulder, can play as long as he can tolerate the pain, but he is limited to first-base duties because he's not at full strength throwing.