Mauer not flying to Chicago, may join Twins later

MINNEAPOLIS -- Joe Mauer will not accompany the Twins on their flight to Chicago on Sunday night for their upcoming series against the White Sox, but Twins manager Ron Gardenhire wouldn't rule out Mauer joining them at some point on their seven-day road trip.

Mauer, who has been out since experiencing a concussion on a foul tip on Aug. 19, continued his indoor workouts at Target Field on Sunday, but has yet to take batting practice outside since suffering a setback on Wednesday.

"Joe's not going on the trip," Gardenhire said. "But he can join us on this trip. Just because he's not leaving with us, doesn't mean he can't join us."

Gardenhire added that he expects Mauer to return at some point this season, as he doesn't want the catcher to shut it down if he's healthy and cleared by doctors. The Twins want to see Mauer on the field again this year so he can put the concussion behind him heading into next season.

"He's paid to play baseball," Gardenhire said. "If he's healthy, he should play. ... It's about whether there's a benefit or anything. It's just that if he's healthy, he should play. He's a baseball player. That's what he's paid to do. And he knows that. No one knows that more than him. He wants to play."