FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Twins catcher Joe Mauer was scratched from Monday's exhibition game against Tampa Bay because of what team officials described as mild soreness and swelling in his surgically repaired left knee.Mauer's discomfort surfaced after only seven innings of catching over two spring training games.
The soreness and swelling flared up in the knee during drills Sunday. The Twins maintain the discomfort is not a major concern.
Mauer was limited to 35 games as a rookie last season after undergoing knee surgery in April, then experienced pain and soreness after his return that finally ended his season in mid-July.
"He's sore, that's what I've been informed," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "It's not unexpected, but it's not something I wanted to hear."
Mauer will be sidelined for a couple of days before he tries any more activities, team officials said. Mauer will not have an MRI exam at this time.