For the second time in two days, the Minnesota Twins have brought back a key player from the injured list to boost their chances for the playoffs.
Shortstop Carlos Correa, who has been out since the All-Star break with plantar fasciitis, has been activated from the 10-day injured list and is starting at shortstop for Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
On Friday, the Twins also activated center fielder Byron Buxton, who had missed a month with a hip injury. Buxton hit a home run in his return, but Minnesota lost the game 8-4.
“I’m feeling very positive. I feel great,” Correa said. “I’m just going out there trying to get my rhythm quickly and contribute right away. That’s what you want to do when you come back. At the same time, we need to win some games.”
Correa was hitting .308 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs in 75 games this season. He was selected to the All-Star Game but had to withdraw due to his injury.
As his condition improved, the Twins had some minor league pitchers come to Target Field to throw batting practice for Correa, Buxton, and injured right fielder Max Kepler, instead of the usual minor league rehab games. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said this method allowed the major league staff to monitor the injured players more closely and see what they could do each day.
Baldelli also mentioned that while Correa’s condition has improved, he is not fully healed yet. With only 15 games left in the regular season and the Twins holding a 2 1/2-game lead over Detroit for the final AL wild card spot, there is a strong sense of urgency within the team.
“I think he just decided to give it everything he’s got. He’s going to go out there and play,” Baldelli said. “Is the heel issue completely resolved? No, it’s still there. But it’s better than it was last week or last month.”
