Minneapolis, MN (SportsNetwork.com) - The Minnesota Twins announced Monday that Joe Mauer will transition from catcher to first base beginning in 2014.
The Twins made the decision after consultation with doctors from the Mayo Clinic and team doctors, taking into account the risk of injury at the catcher position.
Mauer suffered a concussion on a foul tip off his mask in late August and was shut down for the rest of the season. The team said the 2009 AL MVP is "symptom free" and has begun his "regular offseason workouts with no restrictions."
The 30-year-old veteran captured three straight Gold Glove Awards from 2008-10. He debuted at first base during the 2011 campaign and has played 56 career games at the position.
Mauer batted .324 with 11 homers and 47 RBI over 113 games last season.
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