Mauer (quad) is back in the lineup Thursday against the Royals, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mauer was held out of Wednesday's lineup after complaining of soreness in his quad, but the issue is apparently nothing too serious. While he won't play the field Thursday, Mauer will serve as the DH and bat third in the order against right-hander Dillon Gee.