Correa’s Injury Process is a Frustrating Waiting Game for Twins

By    |  
Updated:
Carlos Correa
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins remain waiting on the return of Carlos Correa. They found out Byron Buxton won’t be rejoining them this weekend. It doesn’t sound like the All-Star shortstop is ready to get back onto the diamond either.

Return still weeks away for Minnesota Twins Carlos Correa

Carlos Correa has been on the shelf for the Minnesota Twins since July 12. What was supposed to be a less serious plantar fasciitis injury has instead turned into a season-crushing blow. Correa was named an All-Star just before the diagnosis, and he has yet to return to his .896 OPS since. His return doesn’t appear imminent and the latest update from insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson isn’t great.

“Do I think he’s going to be back in the next week, or 10, 11, 12, or 13 days? Probably not. I think he’s looking at some sort of seven to nine-ish day ramp up. He’ll get some at bats in St. Paul, but then a seven to nine-ish day ramp up with the Twins heading into that playoff opener which would be Tuesday October 1st…When he does come back, what is that going to look like? My sense is that he has a certain standard, that in his mind, he needs to me. He just can’t meet that standard. The Twins are saying high, you played through pain last year. We could use you out there. We’ll take Carlos Correa at 65 percent.”

Darren Wolfson on Carlos Correa’s return for the Minnesota Twins (Skor North)

The final comment by Wolfson seems to be the sticking point right now. It was clear that Correa was not healthy last season and that showed in his play. He doesn’t appear inclined to do that again, and the Twins have been left waiting on him to provide a green light for himself.

It would be great for Correa to rejoin the lineup and produce as the team leader in fWAR that he is. The problem is there isn’t a guarantee of that, and even a watered down version is something the organization wants to see on the field. The Saints season ends on September 22, and they are home for the final series starting on the 17th. That gives Correa the last logical opportunity for a rehab assignment.

Related: Royce Lewis Would Welcome Position Change “if we were the White Sox”

The Twins have moved players around the diamond with their star out. The lineup has also suffered without one of its best hitters.

Are Twins on board with Correa’s process?

It should be straightforward to think that everyone involved wants the best version of Carlos Correa. The problem with plantar fasciitis is that the pain doesn’t just miraculously go away. There have been multiple reports that the shortstop will have to play through pain. He could be doing that right now, but is trying to work towards a greater threshold.

Minnesota doesn’t appear to be of the same mindset as Correa. Though it resulted in diminished results, Correa played in 135 games for the Twins last year. He won’t surpass 100 this season. Rocco Baldelli has been forced to manage through lackluster lineups at times. A playable version of Correa would certainly raise the overall water level.

Correa thinking he can come back after multiple months off and just hit the ground running is quite an assumption. It’s also curious to think that a couple more days, or weeks, will drastically impact the healing that has already taken place. No matter how it works out, the reality is that the Twins need their shortstop.

Related: 5 Minnesota Twins Hitters We Trust Most in the Clutch

Minnesota employs one of the greatest clutch hitters in postseason history. They need him settled in before they get to the games that matter.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: