Carlos Correa’s Injury Recovery is Reportedly Off to a Slow Start…

Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Here we go again. Minnesota Twins superstar shortstop Carlos Correa, who was placed on the injured list prior to the All-Star break a couple of weeks ago with right plantar fasciitis, is reportedly off to a slow start in his recovery process and return timeline.

Carlos Correa’s injury recovery is behind schedule

According to Dan Hayes (The Athletic), “Correa could start jogging” on his injured foot today. He was diagnosed over two weeks ago, on July 14. Jogging is a long ways away from doing baseball activities, so his “slower than expected return” is incredibly concerning.

“Carlos Correa could start jogging on Thursday as he continues a slower-than-expected return from right plantar fasciitis. The Twins still won’t firmly say when Correa is expected to return.”

Dan Hayes (The Athletic)

Ownership made it impossible for the Twins front office to do anything at the MLB trade deadline. Tuesday, it was clear many players in the clubhouse were not happy with the lack of support.

And now, the team’s leader won’t return to the lineup for God knows how long. Suddenly, this weekend’s series vs the bottom-dwelling Chicago White Sox feels far more important. Just from a locker room morale standpoint.

The Minnesota Twins need Carlos Correa healthy and in the lineup

Not only is Carlos Correa the lifeblood of that locker room, but he showed during the first half of 2024 why he makes over $30 million per year. The 29-year-old team captain was batting .308, with an .896 OPS, prior to injury. Both numbers are well above his career average (.275 BA, .825 OPS).

C. CorreaWARABHitsHRBARRBISBOBPSLGOPSOPS+
20243.42798613.30851470.377.520.896149
Career44.241391137186.27561966533.353.472.825126
Baseball-Reference

If Correa gets back on the field ASAP, which no longer seems likely, he’s on pace for a career year. But there are only two months (plus change) left in the regular season. And if he doesn’t get back on the field relatively soon, then one of the best seasons of his career will be overshadowed by more foot injury problems.

Foot issues continue to hamper Twins All-Star SS

This, after the 3x All-Star failed physicals with the Giants and Mets, costing him millions. Those team doctors recommended against signing Correa, due to what they believed was a chronic foot injury. In both seasons since, plantar fasciitis has become a detrimental problem in staying in the lineup.

Related: Injury Won’t Stop Carlos Correa From Performing His Duties as Twins Assistant GM

It’s important to note that this case of plantar fasciitis is in his right foot. Last season, it was plantar in his left foot that caused him to miss almost 50 games. Foot injury or not, Carlos Correa is here to stay now. And the Minnesota Twins are better off for it. Whatever it takes to get back on the field for October, is what Carlos Correa needs to stay focused on.

This team is good enough to stay in the playoff race without him, at least for now. But once we get into the 10th month of the year, we all know what time it is. Correa regular seasons for dough (and piles it up), but he postseasons for THE SHOW.

Related: Detroit Tigers Cost Minnesota Twins a Pair of Pitchers at Deadline

If he stays healthy and the Twins remain in the playoff race while he’s here, there is no doubt Carlos will go down as the best postseason hitter in Minnesota Twins history, outside of Kirby Puckett. He did it for a half-decade in Houston, and he showed us last year, during the best playoff run this organization has witnessed since 2004.

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