Twins manager Ron Gardenhire turned a few heads recently when he tried to explain away Joe Mauer's first-half struggles by saying Mauer was feeling pressure to play in the All-Star Game at Target Field. Whether that theory is correct or whether it had nothing to do with Mauer's early woes, it's worth noting that the post-break Mauer has been much better. He's hitting .297 since coming off the DL post-break, and his slugging percentage is up to .473 in that span. That's more in line with his career marks, and his swing passes the "eye test" as well. Any positive signs from the Twins' $23 million man are positives for 2015 and beyond.
OUTSIDE CHANCE?
The Twins have 25 games left, meaning Phil Hughes could get five more starts. If he wins them all, he'd win 20 this year.
DON'T FORGET
Sure, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. But that just means it's time for fall, which is pretty great for a sports fan.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Twins
Twins-Mariners series preview: TV-radio information, injury reports, statistics
The Twins will attempt to start another winning streak while facing some familiar faces in Jorge Polanco and Mitch Garver.
Sports
Magic crumble in second half, lose Game 7 despite Paolo Bachero's 38 points and stellar series
Paolo Banchero's first taste of the NBA playoffs ended bitterly.
Wolves
Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 2 preview: Denver will play with desperation
The Wolves have a 1-0 lead in the NBA Western Conference semifinal series. Keeping Karl-Anthony Towns out of foul trouble and limiting the Nuggets from three-point range will be vital for the Wolves in Game 2.
Twins
Anatomy of a streak: How the Twins reeled off 12 victories in a row
From a 7-0 shutout over the White Sox on April 22 through a 3-1 win over the Red Sox on Saturday, the Twins had the top-scoring offense in the league and a pitching staff with a 3.08 ERA.
Twins
Nick Gordon homers and gets 4 hits to lead Marlins past A's 12-3
Nick Gordon had four hits, including his first home run in three weeks, and the Miami Marlins beat the Athletics 12-3 to end Oakland's six-game winning streak Sunday.