Mauer still out, could go on disabled list

CLEVELAND (AP) — Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer missed his fourth straight game with lower back spasms and manager Ron Gardenhire said the six-time All-Star could go on the disabled list.

Mauer played catch and hit off a batting tee Wednesday, but it’s unclear when he’ll be able to play.

The Twins have been playing short-handed throughout their four-game series with the Indians and their lack of depth became a bigger problem when outfielder Sam Fuld was placed on the 7-day disabled list with concussion-like symptoms before the game.

The injuries left infielder Pedro Florimon as Minnesota’s only player on the bench when Thursday’s game began. Infielder Eduardo Nunez was recalled from Triple-A Rochester to take Fuld’s roster spot. Nunez was driving from Columbus, Ohio, where Rochester was playing and was expected to arrive in Cleveland during the game.

Eduardo Escobar, normally a shortstop, had to play left field Wednesday. He misjudged a fly ball in the ninth inning that led to Cleveland scoring the winning run in a 4-3 loss. Escobar started in center Thursday and had another ball hit over his head that resulted in David Murphy’s RBI double in the first inning.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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