Joe Mauer still dealing with concussion symptoms, will wear sunglasses at plate
After taking a couple of foul balls off his mask in August 2013, Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer was shut down with a concussion for the rest of the season, shifting to first base/DH full time in 2014.
The difference between Mauer before his concussion and after is stunning.
From 2004 through 2013, the former No. 1 overall draft pick slashed .323/.405/.468, averaging 78 strikeouts per 162 games over that span. Since then, Mauer has slashed .270/.348/.376 with 121 strikeouts per 162.
Now, there might be some explanation as to why his performance has dipped so much.
Mauer revealed to Brian Murphy of the Pioneer Press that he's been dealing with blurred vision, especially with bright sunshine, and will experiment with wearing sunglasses while hitting.
“I’ve always been kind of weird about my routine when it comes to stepping into the (batter’s) box, but it’s something I’ll give a shot this spring and see if it helps,” Mauer said.
Still, Mauer didn't want to place the blame on his symptoms.
“I don’t want that to be kind of an excuse. If I’m out there, I’m out there. That’s just the way I am,” Mauer said. “There are times I’ve gone up to the plate and I just couldn’t pick up the ball. That’s part of the frustration because I’m trying to do everything I can to get back. It just takes time.”
He also revealed that in working with his personal strength coach, he's been able to shake that blurred vision a bit more, thanks to neck stretches and eye exercises. All of this gives Mauer some confidence heading into spring.
“As far as this offseason, just coming up from different exercises, how much better I feel with the concussion symptoms, it keeps getting better and better, and that’s why I’m really excited.”
Mauer is signed through 2018 at $23 million per season.
