Mauer on track to return for Houston series

OAKLAND -- First baseman Joe Mauer's rehab assignment with Class A Cedar Rapids has been going well, and the Twins remain hopeful he'll be able to join them when they begin a three-game series in Houston on Monday.

Mauer, who has been on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique since July 3, went 3-for-5 while playing nine innings at first base Friday night and reported no issues. He was back in the lineup at first base for his fourth rehab game Saturday, and went 2-for-4.

"He's doing fine," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We'll see where we'll go from there. Everything seems to be going good."

Gardenhire said the plan remains for Mauer to be activated from the DL on Monday as long as everything continues to go well.

"We're hoping it works out where he joins us in Houston," Gardenhire said. "He came in today a little sore but said he's good to go after five at-bats last night. He's had no problems whatsoever. Just normal soreness from playing nine innings in the field, which he hadn't done in a month-plus."