Twins' Joe Mauer to Play Friday

The Minnesota Twins all-star catcher Joe Mauer is set to return to the field Friday to play against the Padres. Mauer has been out since April 12, due to weakness and soreness in his legs and throwing shoulder.

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"It was a lot longer than I had hoped," Mauer said after his workout. "But I got my work in, and I worked with a lot of great people down here. It was nice, but obviously I want to be up there in Minnesota and be up there playing. I feel like I'm ready to get out of here."

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Perfect timing for Mauer to return. The Twins have not had a good start to the season, but have won 8 of their last 10, while the hot Cleveland Indians have slowed down a bit making the Central Division a tighter race.