Major League Baseball

Mauer feels better, but heel still not ready

Published May. 7, 2010 1:17 a.m. ET

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Minnesota's Joe Mauer is making progress, but the deep bruise on his left heel still has him on the bench.

Mauer took early batting practice before Thursday's game against Baltimore and said the injury is feeling better, but he's not ready to test his foot with running yet. Mauer was hurt last Friday while running out a grounder at Cleveland.

``Step in the right direction, that's for sure,'' said Mauer, who got new shoes with special orthotics that should help his foot feel better.

Manager Ron Gardenhire is maintaining a cautious approach, not wanting to risk Mauer coming back too soon and reinjuring his heel.

``We're going to let Joe tell me when he's ready to play and go from there,'' Gardenhire said. ``Right now he's not running at all, so I would imagine we're not ready for tomorrow for him to go out there and play.''

The AL MVP was out of the lineup for the sixth straight game and said he doesn't know when he'll be at full strength.

``But I know I'm getting better, so that's good,'' Mauer said, adding: ``I want to play. ... We've got to be smart about it, too.''

Shortstop J.J. Hardy also sat out, for the second straight day due to a sore and stiff left wrist.

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