Carlos Correa Finally Making Progress, Brooks Lee Too

The Minnesota Twins have been without the services of Carlos Correa since July 12. Originally expected to be brief absence, the almost 30-year-old‘s latest bout with plantar fasciitis has put him on the shelf for yet another extended period.

But… after weeks of not-so-positive news, it appears there is finally some movement in the right direction, regarding Carlos Correa’s rehab. Phil Miller (Star Tribune) delivered some updates on other injured Twins too, including top prospect, Brooks Lee.

Minnesota Twins inching closer to Carlos Correa return

The Minnesota Twins’ $33 million per season shortstop has been hitting baseballs and taking ground balls. More importantly, he ran at full speed on Thursday, something he had yet to do prior to Miller’s report.

“We need to get him to where he’s comfortable running on a daily basis, not having soreness the next day. As you deal with these plantar fasciitis injuries, you realize these things drag on. Once you see him out there running a lot, you’ll know we’re in a pretty good spot.”

Twins trainer Nick Paparesta on Carlos Correa to the Star Tribune

Given the uncertainty as to how his foot responds, a timetable still remains clouded. The Twins don’t have a date set for when their starting shortstop will return. Nonetheless, the fact that he is running full-speed is a new step in the right direction (pun intended).

Related: Carlos Correa Has a Shoe Problem

It’s been a difficult month for Rocco Baldelli, who has been tasked with winning games, despite mounting injuries. Beyond Correa’s absence, Joe Ryan’s season is essentially over and Byron Buxton just hit the injured list. Don’t forget about 23-year-old Brooks Lee, who’s back on the IL, this time with a shoulder injury. But for how long?

Brooks Lee on the mend for Minnesota Twins

The Twins put Brooks Lee on the injured list a week ago. He had been scuffling at the plate. Getting his shoulder back to feeling good is key to fixing that. Lee’s time on the IL was backdated to August 8, meaning he could return on Sunday.

That seems unlikely, but head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta also provided an update on the Twins 2nd best prospect, to the Star Tribune.

“[Lee will] probably start throwing [Saturday]. He’s swinging from the right side, which was fine, and we’ll get him swinging Monday from the left side, depending on how his sore shoulder responds.”

Nick Paparesta on Brooks Lee to the Star Tribune

Lee missed time to start the year with a back injury. Ultimately he earned his way to the big leagues and has played 26 games thus far. The rookie is batting .253/.309/.333 with a pair of doubles and two home runs. He has played at second, third, and shortstop while different infielders have been out.

Related: Why is Brooks Lee Still Wearing No. 72?

If Minnesota can get Lee right, he could provide a spark down the stretch and into the postseason.

Justin Topa up against it for Minnesota Twins

The only usable big league piece from the Jorge Polanco trade was Justin Topa. He was supposed to be a back-end arm in the bullpen. Instead a knee injury has caused him to miss the season thus far. Topa worked a rehab assignment at Triple-A but the velocity never came. The latest update suggests why.

“[Topa] had a little bit of elbow soreness after playing catch back-to-back days, so we’re going to slow him down a little bit more. We don’t have an imminent date for his return.”

Nick Paparesta on Justin Topa to the Star Tribune

Topa threw 69 innings with a 2.61 ERA for the Mariners last season. He has yet to pitch for Minnesota. He isn’t a free agent until 2027, but the Twins will need to decide if they want to offer a contract to the reliever after this season.

Related: The Jorge Polanco Trade is Falling Apart from All Ends

Minnesota having Topa in the bullpen would definitely lengthen Baldelli’s middle relief. But, it doesn’t look like that’s happening anytime soon. For now, Minnesota has handled the absence of their best players with aplomb, but they need their best players in the lineup, if they are going to do any damage in October.