Mauer is Twins' lone All-Star

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Joe Mauer has been named as the Minnesota Twins' lone representative for the All-Star game.

The team was announced on Sunday and Mauer is a reserve catcher backing up starter Mike Napoli from Texas. After enduring an injury-filled season last year that brought criticism on the hometown boy, Mauer is enjoying a terrific bounce-back year in 2012.

Mauer entered Sunday's game with Kansas City hitting .325 with four homers, 36 RBIs and a .416 on-base percentage, which leads the American League. He has also put his injury woes behind him and appeared in 69 games this year as a catcher, first baseman and DH.

Mauer says he's honored to be going to his fifth All-Star game, but he wishes he was bringing some teammates with him.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.