"Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire could pay a high compliment to Rangers left-hander C.J. Wilson on Tuesday night.

Gardenhire said Monday that he is considering holding out Joe Mauer, a three-time American League batting champion, for Wilson's start against the Twins at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mauer, a career .325 hitter, is 1-for-19 against Wilson.

The hit was a run-scoring single on May 19, 2008. Since then, Mauer is 0-for-10.

Mauer's physical status will figure in Gardenhire's decision. Mauer missed two months this season because of "bilateral leg weakness." Gardenhire has given Mauer an occasional day off since he returned from the disabled list June 15.

Mauer is not the only prominent left-handed hitter to have had difficulties against Wilson. Bobby Abreu, Carl Crawford , David DeJesus , Raul Ibanez and David Ortiz have more than 12 at-bats against Wilson, and each is hitting less than .150 against him."