DETROIT – Mike Pelfrey kept a productive Tigers offense in check. Justin Morneau swung a lethal bat. Glen Perkins won a duel with magnificent Miguel Cabrera, striking him out to end the game.
The Twins' 6-3 victory over the Tigers on Tuesday night was one of their most satisfying games of the season — except for one thing.
Joe Mauer, the Twins' All-Star catcher, landed on the seven-day concussion disabled list after a test confirmed his symptoms. Mauer caught Monday in a loss to the Mets and took a few foul tips off his facemask, including one — off the bat of Ike Davis — that jarred him.
Mauer showed no warning signs while flying to Detroit after the Mets game. He prepared for Tuesday's game as he normally does. He took grounders at first base and began shagging balls in the outfield when he approached trainer Dave Pruemer and told him he was experiencing dizziness.
He was scratched from the starting lineup as he underwent an examination.
"I saw him taking ground balls and he said he felt like he was out of it," Twins first baseman Justin Morneau said. "He missed a couple ground balls, and he's usually pretty solid over there. I couldn't tell if they were taking bad hops but it's not something you usually see from him. I think that's when he knew something wasn't quite right."
Morneau, who battled with a concussion in 2010 and lingering symptoms in 2011, later told Mauer: "Don't do anything stupid because we need you in the long term."
The Twins recalled Chris Colabello from Class AAA Rochester to take Mauer's spot on the roster. Mauer, who left before the clubhouse was opened to reporters, will remain at the team hotel Wednesday and come to the park Thursday for tests. Mauer must show improvement or he will remain in Detroit.
