Catcher Joe Mauer, whose health was scrutinized last season like never before, is headed back to the All-Star Game.
The former Cretin-Derham Hall standout was named as a reserve to the American League team for the Midsummer's Classic on July 10 in Kansas City. Mauer is batting .325 heading into today's game against the Royals while leading the AL with a .416 on base percentage. Mauer made the team as a manager's/MLB choice.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire called a team meeting at 11:40 this morning to inform Mauer and the club of his selection
"Any time you get asked to the All-Star Game its a great honor," he said about 45 minutes before today's game. "After the season we had last year and the season I had last year, it's nice to go. It just kind of hit me that I'll be heading there.
"We have a ballgame in a few minutes too, so there's a lot running through my head right now."
It's Mauer's fifth All-Star Game selection, and his first since 2010. He mentioned Josh Willingham, Glen Perkins, Jared Burton and Denard Span as deserving of the honor and was disappointed that none of them made the team.
"I was hoping to bring a couple with me," Mauer said. "We have a lot of guys in there with great years and definitely deserve it."
It's the second straight year the Twins have had just one representative at the All-Star Game.
