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No timetable on Mauer's return from concussion

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins catcher Joe Mauer met with the media on Thursday for the first time since sustaining a concussion on Aug. 19. He said he's feeling better, but that there's no timetable for his return.

Mauer suffered the concussion after being hit by a foul tip while catching and was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list the next day after feeling dizzy during batting practice in Detroit.

He was able to do light exercises for the first time on Wednesday at Target Field, and said he's doing better after spending the last week resting at home. But he said he's still feeling some symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound.

"My symptoms have been getting better, which is good," Mauer said. "Even the things [Wednesday], I'm definitely conscious of the way I'm feeling and exercising and taking a break for a little while to see where I'm at. But it's been going good, so hopefully it'll be another good day today."

Mauer said it's too early to tell when he'll make his return. He's not making the trip to Texas for the series against the Rangers but will ramp up his activities while the Twins are away. He added that he plans on playing again this season.

"Shutting it down never entered my mind," Mauer said. "I want to be out there. Obviously I want to be smart about it, but I want to get out there and play."

But Mauer said he hasn't talked to the Twins about how much he'll catch this season when he makes his return. But general manager Terry Ryan said he's hopeful Mauer will be back behind the plate this year.

"I hope so," Ryan said. "That's his position. You can get hurt on a baseball field wherever you go. Even at DH."

Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Bollinger Beat, and follow him on Twitter @RhettBollinger. Kelly Erickson is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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