The Twins' 2009 season was already off to a rough start before they lost to the Mariners on Monday because they found out this spring that they were likely to be without Joe Mauer for the first month of the season. But at least they had Mike Redmond to turn to behind the plate in his place. Redmond is no Mauer, but he has played very well with the Twins as Mauer's backup the last few seasons.Of course, when you're 37-years old and catching, you should probably expect some bumps and bruises to come your way, and on Monday Redmond found himself way ahead of schedule. As if taking a broken bat to the side of his head and shoulder wasn't bad enough, Redmond also hurt his groin after doubling off of Felix Hernandez in the fifth inning.
"I'm a little concerned," Redmond said. "A little more than normal."Joe Mauer was probably the player the Twins could least afford to be without this season, and now that he's hurt, Redmond becomes nearly as important, so this is not good news. Redmond's no stranger to playing through pain, though, and nobody has said anything about Redmond needing to miss any time because of this.
Redmond tries to avoid the training room at all costs, but he was in there after the game.
"That's not a good thing," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I don't have enough of those [catchers]."
If he does have to sit out a few games the team will have to turn to Jose Morales.
