Jake Mauer told Sports Headliners that speculation about his grandson Joe having a serious illness during the last several days is unfounded.
The Twins’ all-star catcher is on the 15-day disabled list after soreness in his legs alarmed the baseball world and made some people think the worst. “They (fans) blew it all up,” Jake said. “It’s not the truth.”
A viral infection made Joe lose 12 pounds and left him weak. He’s said that not enough conditioning in spring training caused his legs to be sore at the same time as the infection. He had offseason knee surgery and precautions were taken in spring training.
Jake said Joe believes he could play soon, but will have to wait until at least late next week to come off the disabled list that he went on April 13. “He’s always positive,” Jake said.
The Twins’ poor start has Joe upset but he sees a silver lining. Jake said Joe told him “we caught our slump early and we’ll go by them all (the other Central Division teams).”
Joe turned 28 yesterday. Despite multiple physical setbacks during Joe’s career, Jake said his grandson still has no interest in playing any position other than catcher even though a switch would be easier on his legs. “He can’t wait to catch again,” Jake said.