Twins manager Paul Molitor would like to reduce Mauer's workload this season to keep him healthier. "I think I overplayed Joe the first half," Molitor told ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities. "I think it resulted in maybe leading to a potential injury as well as maybe the downslide of performance near the end of the season."

EDGE Analysis

Mauer started the season hot last year by hitting .323 with a .890 OPS in the first month. But he wore down later in the year and struggled with leg issues that led to a .499 OPS over his last 22 games. With a new GM and Mauer in the second to last year of his contract, it's possible he could have a much reduced role if he struggles early in the season.

Mauer (quad) is in the lineup as the designated hitter Sunday against the Mariners, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran has been battling chronic soreness in his quads for several weeks, and Sunday will mark his first start in seven days. The expectation is that Mauer's playing time will likely continue to be limited over the final two series of the season.

Mauer is out of the lineup Saturday against the Mariners, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been almost a week since Mauer last played and he's played in just eight games since Labor Day. He is battling soreness in his quads at this point in the season and manager Paul Molitor has suggested Mauer's playing time will remain limited the rest of the way, although Mauer will not be shut down entirely.

Mauer is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

James Beresford will step in for his second career start at first base (fourth overall) as Mauer sits again, as he did for Game 1. Mauer has really scuffling at the plate lately (.119/.245/.238 in September) and he's sitting more frequently as a result. Manager Paul Molitor said prior to Thursday's matinee that Mauer's swing has looked "laborious."

Mauer, who is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader, has been laboring at the plate lately, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "It looks laborious for him to swing right now so trying to make the right decisions on how much to play him and when," manager Paul Molitor said.

EDGE Analysis

Game 1 on Thursday will mark the fourth straight game that Mauer has been out of the lineup, and it sounds like he could be give a fair amount of days off down the stretch. Kennys Vargas continues to start at first base in his stead.

Mauer is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

This marks the second game in a row that Mauer has been held out in favor of Kennys Vargas. He has been a serviceable option in very deep leagues and OBP formats (.263/.364/.391), but his production is far below what most teams hope to get from first base or designated hitter.

Mauer is not in the lineup Sunday versus the Mets, LaVelle E. Neal of the Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mauer has played in three games since returning from a quadricep injury. Over said outings, Mauer has gone 0-for-11 with three strikeouts. While Mauer sits out, Kennys Vargas will start at first and hit cleanup.

Mauer (quadriceps) is back in the lineup Thursday against the Tigers, batting third and serving as the DH, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

EDGE Analysis

He missed his fourth game in a row Wednesday, but will be eased back into the mix at DH on Thursday. Mauer is hitting .295 with three home runs, 19 runs and 16 RBI in 122 at-bats since Aug. 1.

Mauer (quad) was able to take some swings and field grounders Wednesday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mauer is missing his fourth straight game Wednesday as a result of quad soreness, but it sounds as though the issue is beginning to subside. It's possible he'll be available off the bench for Wednesday's tilt, and he'll look to return in a full capacity for Thursday's series finale against the Tigers.

Mauer (quad) is out of Wednesday's lineup against the Tigers, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mauer had already missed three games with quad soreness, and though there was some hope that he'd be recovered enough to draw into the lineup Wednesday, he'll require at least one more day off and miss his fourth straight game. He'll remain day-to-day, but with a quick turnaround for a day game Thursday, it's possible Mauer remains out until the weekend series against the Mets.