Twins shutdown Joe Mauer for remainder of season

The Minnesota Twins have shut down All-Star catcher Joe Mauer for the rest of the season after the Minnesota native experienced symptoms of a concussion he sustained on Aug. 19.

Terry Ryan confirms that Joe Mauer will be shut down for the remainder of the season.

— Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) September 23, 2013

With only seven games left in a season long lost, the Twins decided that putting Mauer out on the field was not worth the risk. The Twins have been heavily impacted by concussions in the past, highlighted by former first baseman and MVP Justin Morneau.

"It's frustrating that I'm not on the field and not able to play the game that I love," Mauer said after a workout at Target Field. "But I have to take care of this and make sure that I'm healthy and ready to go next year."

General manager Terry Ryan said that there haven't been any setbacks, but the team is not willing to take any risks with its franchise player

"As we all know, those things are very touchy and sensitive," Ryan said. "We've gone through this with Justin once before. I just don't want any setbacks and neither does he and neither does our medical staff."