Mauer Put on Disabled List

Minnesota rookie catcher Joe Mauer was put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a sprained left knee, and will be out for about a month.

Mauer, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 amateur draft, tore cartilage and will have arthroscopic surgery.

“With a catcher, you’re a little concerned about the wear and tear, so we’re going to take a conservative approach,” General Manager Terry Ryan said.

“This is sad, because he’s a talented kid with his head screwed on straight.”

Right-hander Seth Greisinger was called up from triple-A Rochester, and right-hander Michael Nakamura was designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster.

The Twins are left with two catchers: veteran Henry Blanco, a career .219 hitter, and Matthew LeCroy, the team’s primary designated hitter.

Center fielder Torii Hunter and starting pitcher Johan Santana also left Tuesday’s game against Cleveland because of injuries.

Hunter will be out four to five days because of a strained right hamstring, but Santana will make his next start after muscle spasms in his left forearm forced him out in the fifth inning. The spasms caused a cramp in Santana’s thumb.

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New York Yankee Manager Joe Torre said talks have progressed on a two-year contract extension and he said Wednesday he wanted to finish his career with the Yankees.

“I don’t see myself going anywhere else,” Torre said before the Yankees defeated Tampa Bay, 3-2.

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The Detroit Tigers put designated hitter Dmitri Young on the 15-day disabled list because of a broken right leg and purchased the contract of outfielder Andres Torres from triple-A Toledo.... The Texas Rangers signed outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. to a minor league contract.