They're all back ... except for Mauer

FORT MYERS, FLA. — Justin Morneau and Delmon Young on Tuesday played in their first games of spring training. Michael Cuddyer's foot is improving after having a wart removed. Alexi Casilla and Tsuyoshi Nishioka were back in the lineup after suffering minor ankle sprains.That leaves one Twins player unaccounted for.

Where, oh, where is Joe Mauer?

Twins General Manager Bill Smith gave his standard "We'll let you know" response when asked by reporters about the next stage of Mauer's spring training preparation.

"When the doctors and trainers tell us he's good to go, and the manager, you'll see him on the field," Smith said.

Mauer has eased into spring training following offseason left knee surgery. The All-Star catcher is taking weekly Supartz lubrication injections the Twins say are just a precaution to help get him through the season. He was expected to have at least three and perhaps four injections.

"Not 100 percent sure when the last one is going to happen," Smith said. "He may have, it might have been [Tuesday], I don't know."

Does it affect his timetable to return to action?

Mauer is expected to catch in the bullpen at least a couple of times before playing in any exhibition games. Until then, Twins Nation will have to be satisfied with the returns of Morneau (concussion) and Young (left turf toe), with both playing in a B-game against Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

"It's getting a little more fun writing down all those lineups with all those big names in there," manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Exhibition showcase? While all eyes were on Morneau on Tuesday, a few eyes in particular were on righthander Kevin Slowey.

Toronto had three scouts -- including one with a video camera -- watching Slowey during his three-inning outing during the B-game. The Blue Jays have relievers to offer if they want to make a play for Slowey.

Colorado also had a scout in attendance. The Rockies could be in the hunt for starting pitching if righthander Aaron Cook has problems in his comeback from shoulder soreness.

"Just continue to command the fastball," said Slowey, who is trying to nail down the final spot in the starting rotation.

Gardenhire was impressed that Slowey worked quickly and threw strikes.

On deck Lefthander Francisco Liriano is scheduled to start Wednesday in Sarasota when the Twins face the Orioles, followed by righthanders Matt Capps, Alex Burnett and Jim Hoey and lefthanders Scott Diamond and Chuck James. Righthander Jake Arrieta is scheduled to start for Baltimore. Jason Kubel and Denard Span also are scheduled to be on the trip for the Twins.