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La Velle E. Neal III Star Tribune CHICAGO -- Things are looking up for Twins catcher Joe Mauer as he recovers from left knee surgery. Mauer is scheduled to catch in the bullpen for a second time today and will be the designated hitter on Tuesday in an extended spring training game. If all goes well, he could catch in an extended spring training game by Wednesday. "He's squatting and has no swelling and no soreness," said Jim Rantz, the Twins' director of minor leagues. Being able to squat without pain has been the biggest hurdle for Mauer, who was injured during the second game of the season. If the workouts go well, Mauer could soon begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment. Manager Ron Gardenhire said Saturday he still doesn't expect Mauer to be ready by the first week in June.
Hunter misses cycleTwins center fielder Torii Hunter talked about trying to hit for the cycle when he batted in the ninth inning of Saturday's 4-1 victory."I was just trying to hit the ball hard and get a triple," Hunter said. "It didn't work out." It didn't work out because he hit it about 427 feet to center field. Instead of getting the cycle, Hunter wound up with career home runs 100 and 101, a double, single and three runs scored in the Twins' victory over Chicago. Cristian Guzman suggested to Hunter that he either stop at third or miss home plate to see if he could sneak his way to a cycle. Hunter's 100th career homer came in the sixth inning when he connected off of Estaban Loaiza, who was one strike from getting out the inning unscathed. The second homer came in the ninth off reliever Cliff Politte. "I'm happy with 100 but I'm not satisfied," said Hunter, who dreams of one day hitting 30, even 40 homers in a season. "Hopefully I have a couple more years under my belt and see what happens." Gardenhire batted Hunter fifth in the order Saturday and might do so more frequently. Hunter seems to relax a little more than when he's batting fourth. "Torii Hunter had a huge day for us," Gardenhire said. "He did what he was supposed to do for this team, drive in runs and ignite this baseball team."
Etc.• Left fielder Shannon Stewart was held out the lineup Saturday against the White Sox because of a sore right heel.• Right fielder Jacque Jones, who is batting .333 against lefties, will not play today against lefty Mark Buehrle. • Joe Nathan has not given up a run in 15 consecutive appearances.
On deckBuehrle (2-1, 4.53 ERA) is 10-4 in his career against the Twins, his most victories against any opponent. He will oppose Twins righthander Carlos Silva (5-0, 3.11 ERA). First pitch is at 2:05 p.m.
Webposted 05/16/04
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