Twins manager Paul Molitor has been mindful of Joe Mauer's workload ever since he took over as manager in 2015. Most day games following night games, Mauer has not been in the lineup. Lefthander on the mound? Give him a break. Off day coming up? Maybe sit Mauer out the day before to give him a two-day breather.
There's always been flexibility, based on how Mauer has felt. But with this being the final week of the season — possibly his last season — how much Mauer will play during these final games might be weighed differently.
"I've talked with Mollie and that's the thing," Mauer said. "Always prided myself on being available and getting out there and playing. This will be no different."
Mauer, 35, was the designated hitter Wednesday against Tigers lefthander Matthew Boyd. Chances are good that Mauer will be in the lineup Thursday in the series finale.
The Twins have a doubleheader Friday against the White Sox, so Mauer might play in only one of those games. The next interesting decision will come Saturday when the White Sox plan to start lefthander Carlos Rodon.
And Mauer, of course, is expected to play in the season finale Sunday.
"I'm going to play him as much as we can,'' Molitor said. ''It's the last week and he's feeling good. We're checking every day."
When asked if playing in four of the final six games made sense to him, Mauer replied: "Like I said, I'd like to play every one of them. We do have that doubleheader on Friday. We'll see when we get there. I plan on playing them all."
