From LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune – Entire article can be read at this link:

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. – The Twins left Tropicana Field on Thursday convinced they can play with the Tampa Bay Rays after absorbing late-inning comebacks in each of the past two games to win and split the four-game series.

“To me, they have the best starting rotation in baseball,” Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer said, “at least in the American League. One through five, one through six, they can matchup with anyone.”

As their charter flight headed to Cleveland for a three-game series against the Indians, the Twins were left with one big question:

When will their All-Star, All-Galaxy catcher actually be a catcher again?

One thing Joe Mauer revealed on Thursday is that he expects his right shoulder to give him some trouble the rest of the season. The goal right now it to get it to a level where he can be productive at and behind the plate.

“I know it is not going to be 100 percent,” he said. “As soon as it gets back to where I can play back there, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Mauer didn’t play Monday as he waited for the effects of a cortisone shot on Saturday to take place. The improvement in his shoulder, however, has been slower than he expected. He was the designated hitter the final three games of the series against the Rays.