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DETROIT - Joe Mauer is scheduled to catch his first game since April 12.
The plans have Mauer catching three innings today in an extended spring training game in Fort Myers, Fla.
"Then, we'll go from there," Twins assistant trainer Dave Pruemer said.
Depending on how Mauer's body responds, the Twins will gradually increase his workload until he's ready to begin a minor-league rehab assignment.
The plan isn't about getting him ready to catch one game, it's about preparing him to catch five or six days per week. Mauer has been on the disabled list, recovering from leg weakness, a viral infection and a right shoulder injury.
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"He has to be healthy, and that's being able to go about his business like he normally would," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Then, once he's healthy, and he's played in enough games down there where everything's going good, then we bring him back up here."
A four-time All-Star, Mauer batted .235 with no homers and four RBI before going on the DL. In the first All-Star voting update Wednesday, Mauer (539,949 votes) ranked second among American League catchers behind the Yankees' Russell Martin (843,549).
Revere to replace either Kubel or Thome
Jason Kubel has a sprained left foot, and Jim Thome strained his left quadriceps muscle in Wednesday's loss, so the Twins plan to place one of them on the disabled list Thursday. Ben Revere is on his way back from Class AAA Rochester to fill the roster spot.
Revere was batting .303 for Rochester and hit .242 in 15 games earlier this year with the Twins.
Thome said he injured himself on a swing and could feel it when he reached base after his fourth-inning walk. He said he'll know a lot more about the injury today. Kubel, who sprained his foot Monday, tried going through some light exercises Wednesday and still felt some pain.
