Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer is attempting to win his fourth American League batting title by surpassing defending AL batting champ and current leader Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers; the two will face off this weekend in Minnesota.
Mauer has been coming on strong of late, but did not help his cause on Wednesday, going 0-for-4 from the plate, but Cabrera also failed to get a hit. Mauer now stands at .323, with Cabrera at .327 as the Twins and Tigers face off in a three-game series starting Sept. 28. Also in contention are Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels at .323 and Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees at .320.
After a disappointing and injury-plagued 2011, Mauer has returned to form this year. He won batting titles in 2006 (.347), 2008 (.328), and 2009 (.365). Cabrera won his first title last season, batting .344, and is in contention for the triple crown this year. He is currently leading the league in batting average and RBIs and trails Josh Hamilton by only one HR. Mauer said he would love to win the title, but is not focusing on it.