Mauer stays at DH, may return to first Tuesday

DETROIT -- Joe Mauer, who has been bothered by a sore lower back, was in the lineup for the second straight day at designated hitter against the Tigers on Sunday, and he is expected to return to action at first base on Tuesday after Monday's off-day.

Mauer, who went 1-for-3 with a walk on Saturday after missing five games with a stiff back, came in on Sunday feeling good, according to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. Mauer received treatment after Saturday's game at the team hotel, and Gardenhire is hopeful Mauer's back problem is a thing of the past.

"He actually said he felt really good, but we're doing the DH thing again," Gardenhire said. "By Tuesday, he should be ready to go. But he said he woke up this morning feeling good -- just a little stiff from playing, but that's good. So I think we're moving past that now, and we can get him back on the field on Tuesday."