Still fighting flu-like illness, hot-hitting Joe Mauer gets a rest for Minnesota

Fighting flu, Mauer gets a rest for Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Mauer is sick and out of Minnesota’s lineup.

Mauer has been fighting flu-like symptoms for the past week, and Twins manager Ron Gardenhire decided to rest his .425-hitting catcher during Thursday’s game against Pittsburgh. Mauer was available to pinch hit.

This was his first day on the bench since May 31.

Mauer has 13 homers and 41 RBIs in 43 games since coming off the disabled list on May 1, getting at least one hit in 37 of those games.