Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer will be moving to first base for the 2014 season, the team announced.
During the 2013 season, Mauer took a foul tip to the facemask that led to a concussion and forced him to the bench for over a month. Through the years, 30-year-old Mauer has struggled with back, shoulder, hip, quad and knee issues as well, and this position change is an effort to prevent any further injury and protect his health.
CBS Sports reports that the team released a statement saying, "After consultation with doctors from Mayo Clinic and team doctors, and given the inherent risks of future injury at the catcher position, the organization and Joe determined that it would be in the best interest of both him and the Twins for a position change.”
Mauer commented that when it comes to his health, he wants to do the best thing to make him play as long as possible and remain healthy. “They told me if I were to receive another blow or a concussion, that the recovery time would be as long or even longer,” Mauer said Monday, according to the New York Times. “That made the decision pretty easy.”
Catchers often make this position move, although Mauer is a bit young to be making the transition. However, his skills will surely prove an asset to the Twins infield game. “First base made a lot of sense,” Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. “He’s played there and he’s a nice target, and he’s got good hands and he’s got good feet, and he’s got a lot of instincts for the game. So it makes an easy transition. It should be seamless.”
Mauer still has five years and $115 million left on his contract with the Twins.
As for Mauer's replacement, 32-year-old Ryan Doumit and 24-year-old Josmil Pinto are in the running for the job. The team could also look to free agents Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Carlos Ruiz.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
