Minnesota Twins star catcher Joe Mauer is eligible to come off the disabled list this coming Thursday. However, don't get your hopes up - according to general manager Bill Smith, that's pretty unlikely, as Mauer's almost certain to need more time.

But it isn't all bad news. That viral infection that Mauer was battling? He's over that, now. Even though the infection set Mauer's recovery back by roughly a week and cost him some weight, he's currently working out and trying to rebuild his leg strength, the loss of which sent him to the DL in the first place. So Mauer is most definitely making progress.

Most likely, Mauer will be sent on a brief minor league rehab stint whenever he's ready before he returns to the Twins' starting lineup. And the Twins are eager to get him back, as they've gotten nothing out of temporary replacements Steve Holm and Drew Butera.