Carlos Correa’s Timeline for Minnesota Twins Still Murky
Just before the All-Star Break, the Minnesota Twins placed shortstop Carlos Correa on the injured list. He still traveled to partake as an All-Star, but a new bout of plantar fasciitis (this time in his right foot) kept him on the shelf, for the game. Now, over two weeks later, he that’s where he remains.
Last season, the Minnesota Twins saw Carlos Correa play 135 games, despite battling through plantar fasciitis in his left foot. It became clear, as the season went on, that the recently signed free agent was a shell of his old self.
Minnesota Twins to remain without Carlos Correa
In 2024, Correa has vowed not to do that again. He’s played 75 of the Twins 112 games, and counting. The Athletic’s Dan Hayes reported on Wednesday that there still is no timetable currently set for his return. Talking with Hayes, manager Rocco Baldelli said they expect him sooner, rather than later, but that is all he knows.
“It’ll be day to day. I actually don’t know the answer to that. I have no answer to that. I have not thought about that. I don’t plan on mapping too many things out beforehand, especially without talking to (athletic trainer Nick Paparesta). Nick will probably be the driver on what Carlos is going to be capable of day to day. … We’re just going to treat him right.”
Rocco Baldelli on the return of Carlos Correa (via The Athletic)
Playing through the injury last year, it was clear Correa wasn’t the same player. Minnesota has seen the healthy version play at a career-best level, but that’s what they need down the stretch.
Rehab assignment incoming
It remains to be seen how much rest will impact Correa’s healing and overall performance. But more rest is what worked last year. Playing through pain only made things worse. Thus, both Carlos and the Twins seem to have learned their lesson, in that regard.
Correa’s latest injury is supposedly more mild than what he dealt with last year, but he and the Twins appear to be on the same page. The 29-year-old will take his time returning to the Minnesota lineup, and that includes a rehab assignment.
Related: Carlos Correa’s Injury Recovery is Reportedly Off to a Slow Start…
When coming back from the injured list last season, Carlos said it took him a couple of games to get his swing back, so he might as well get that work in with the Saints. It’s not just in the batter’s box that the Twins feel it when Correa isn’t right.
“Last time I didn’t get any at-bats, and it took me two, three games to get back to form, and then you’re playing catch-up. I think we’re in a good spot, and hopefully, I can get back in there as soon as possible. … We have a timeline, but I don’t want to talk about it just yet. I want to go a couple more days and see how this keeps progressing, and go from there.”
Carlos Correa on his return timeline and impending rehab assignment (via The Athletic)
Injury impacts Correa and Minnesota Twins in all facets
Sure, he owns a 149 OPS+ this season compared to a 94 OPS+ a year ago. His absence is also felt on the dirt. Correa is, in part, paid handsomely because of the defender he is. The difference defensively has been notable this season, and Baldelli needs that staple on the left side.
How important is #MNTwins Carlos Correa's foot health to his defense?
— Ted (@tlschwerz) August 7, 2024
2023: -2 DRS -1 OAA
2024: 0 DRS 4 OAA
The Twins have been rolling out young players like Royce Lewis, Jose Miranda, Brooks Lee, and even Willi Castro throughout the infield. Correa providing a stabilizing defensive ability among them is imperative.
Related: Minnesota Twins Continue Ascent up MLB Power Rankings
Lewis has missed plenty of time at the hot corner, and Miranda has been on the shelf as well. If the Twins can afford to wait on the return of Correa, and they appear determined to, then the hope would be a gelling period before the postseason kicks off.
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