Twins' Mauer headed to Triple-A Rochester for rehab assignment

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MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins have sent first baseman Joe Mauer to Triple-A Rochester for a rehab assignment as he works his way back from a cervical neck strain and concussion-like symptoms.



Twins manager Paul Molitor said Mauer is expected to be the designated hitter Tuesday before seeing action at first base. If all goes well in the two games, Mauer could rejoin the Twins at some point in a six-game road trip that starts Tuesday in Detroit.

Out since leaving during a game on May 18, Mauer is hitting .283 with a .404 on-base percentage in 38 games with the Twins this season. He got his 2,000th career hit on April 13.

The injury occurred May 11 when the 35-year-old Mauer dove for a foul ball. He played a few more games while receiving treatment.

Mauer is in the final season of an eight-year, $184 million contract. A six-time All-Star catcher, he moved to first base in 2014 because of previous concussions and concerns of more if he continued catching.