Joe Mauer (concussion) is not close to returning to the lineup. Mauer is working out at Target Field, but he reports that his concussion symptoms return when his heart rate spikes. The veteran catcher desperately wants to return this season, but the Twins are in no hurry to rush him back. At this point -- with a potential to move up in the draft order and receive more money for picks and international free agents -- Minnesota should probably just pull the plug on Mauer's season. After living through the Justin Morneau experience, the Twins may be inclined to do so even if they have no interest in decreasing their odds of winning in September.

Joe Mauer (concussion) has shown improvement in recent days, and could return to the Twins lineup as early as Friday. If not by Friday, than for sure at some point during the team's upcoming 10-game homestand. It's unclear if he'll work behind the plate, or simply be relegated to first base and DH work for the remainder of the season however.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan said that Joe Mauer "ramped it up" on Friday and hopes to hit off a tee on Saturday. Excellent news. Mauer has been sidelined since August 19 due to concussion symptoms, but he's beginning to make some tangible progress. It appears likely that he'll return this season, though it's unclear whether he'll do in a catching capacity.

Joe Mauer (concussion) has shown improvement in recent days, but will not travel with the team for their weekend series against Texas. Mauer was told earlier in the week to take it easy for a few days, and it seems to have done him some good. There is still no timetable for when he'll resume baseball activities, though it's extremely likely he returns at some point this season. Ryan Doumit and Chris Herrmann will continue to handle the catching duties in his absence.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Tuesday that Joe Mauer felt "pretty decent." "We just have to wait and see," Gardenhire said. "I don't have a timetable. He came in today and says he feels actually pretty decent. He's had some rough days at home. ... He's getting better and it's just going to take time here." There's no timetable for when Mauer will resume activities, but general manager Terry Ryan said there's "no thought" at this point of shutting him down for the season.

Joe Mauer (concussion) has been told by team doctors to "take it easy" until Tuesday. That effectively ends any possibility of him returning for next week's series against the Royals. Chris Herrmann and Ryan Doumit will continue to handle the load behind the plate in his absence.

Joe Mauer (concussion) has been cleared to begin light exercises. Mauer visited a concussion specialist Friday and continues to move in the right direction. He was placed on the 7-day DL Tuesday after taking several foul tips off his catcher's mask, but remains without a timetable to return. Given his history with concussions, the Twins have acknowledged that Mauer could ultimately be moved to first base.

Joe Mauer reported improvement with his concussion-related symptoms Thursday. "He did not feel great [Wednesday]," said Rob Antony, Twins assistant general manager. "He was better [Thursday]." For what it's worth, Mauer's teammate, Justin Morneau, who has plenty of experience with concussions, said it's "a good sign" that Mauer has felt improvement right away. "Obviously, I'm not a doctor, but I have dealt with this stuff," Morneau added. "When you have the same symptoms for the first week, 10-12 days that's not necessarily a good sign. But he's showing that he's feeling better already and he should be all right. You hope for the best."

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire suggested Wednesday that Joe Mauer might have to be moved off catcher. Mauer was placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list Tuesday after taking several foul tips off his catcher's mask on Monday. "That could happen," Gardenhire said of a permanent move to first base. "If this becomes one of those situations where this affects him for any length of time, yeah, it could happen. It's going to have a lot to do with how Joe thinks about it."

Twins placed C Joe Mauer on the 7-day concussion disabled list. Mauer took a couple foul tips off the mask during Monday's game, and he had to be scratched from Tuesday's contest after feeling dizzy during batting practice. As is always the case with concussions, it's totally up in the air as to when Mauer will be back, but you can bet the Twins will take it extra cautiously with their best player.