The Minnesota Twins have been in something of a free fall the past handful of weeks. They still hold onto a wild card spot, but better play is necessary. That expectation is logical with Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa rejoining Royce Lewis in the starting lineup.
Where have the Minnesota Twins stars been?
Obviously the answer is on the injured list. Carlos Correa has been down since July 12, and Byron Buxton joined him a month later. On Saturday night against the Cincinnati Reds, both will rejoin Royce Lewis in the starting lineup for the first time since July 2nd. They have played in the same lineup just 17 times this season. Buxton made his return in a big way on Friday night. Correa could do the same.
Byron Buxton, immediate impact. Tie game.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) September 14, 2024
Royce Lewis ran out of the dugout to greet Buxton with their handshake at the on-deck circle. pic.twitter.com/yRcEw0pyhe
Since Correa has been out for the Twins, Minnesota has gone 24-28. 15 games remain, and although he won’t play in all of them, the Twins need as much of the big three as they can handle. Minnesota was 53-41 when Correa hit the injured list, and his impact earned him a spot in the 2024 All-Star Game.
Related: How Worried Should We Be About Minnesota Twins Missing the Playoffs?
Although the playoff odds, and specifically chances of repeating as division champions have been altered, the final stretch is what matters for Minnesota.
Can Carlos Correa pick up where he left off?
Carlos Correa has been the Twins best player this season. His 3.6 fWAR leads the club, and is slightly ahead of Byron Buxton’s 3.4 fWAR. Last year Correa player through the plantar fasciitis pain and generated 1.8 fWAR in 135 games. He wasn’t interested in going that route this year, and the extended absence should have him returning in a much greater capacity.
Carlos Correa makes it a four-run seventh inning and gives the @Twins the lead. pic.twitter.com/yshGV080Bw
— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2024
The Twins have missed Correa’s defensive acumen at shortstop, and his leadership on the field. That is an aspect that could impact Royce Lewis and Jose Miranda at third base. Beyond just offensive production, Correa bringing his glove is something that Minnesota has needed. If he can continue to substantiate the .308/.377/.520 slash line without missing a beat, that would be a best case scenario.
Related: Clubhouse Vibes are Improving but Twins Clearly Feel the Heat
Minnesota signed Carlos Correa as a franchise cornerstone player. That brings enhanced responsibility, but he has always proven to be the type of talent that can shoulder those expectations.
How do Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis factor in?
Buxton owns a 138 OPS+ which represents the second-highest mark of his career. The have been peaks and valleys as his process typically leans into, but there’s no denying the lineup has clicked because of him. The Twins centerfielder can hit the 100-game threshold for just the second time in his career with nine more contests. That is something all parties should want to see be achieved.
Byron Buxton is electric, what a catch pic.twitter.com/rhajsGK3pX
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 9, 2024
Minnesota inserting Buxton’s bat back into the lineup removes the need for a slumping Willi Castro, or young DaShawn Keirsey Jr., to carry the load. He’s an impact defender as well, and the 4 DRS in a limited sample tells that tale.
Related: Pablo Lopez Perfectly Explains What the Rally Sausage Means to Twins
Lewis has watched his otherwise strong start take a nosedive in recent weeks. It’s clear he is running on fumes while playing the most games he has ever experienced in a big league season. Without Correa and Buxton, it probably felt as though the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He can relax on that pressure and go back to being a piece of the puzzle.
What a play by Royce Lewis. Showing off what he’s good at. Making athletic plays.
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) September 14, 2024
He has good range and a strong arm, when aligned with his target and able to throw over the top. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/AoZgnbrnVo
Baldelli now has all three players to cycle through for the final two weeks. That means each can get different off days and a focus on being fresh for the playoffs comes into view. There probably will be some rust, even with the group getting more traditional at bats. They must not press and simply trust the process of acclimating before the games get infinitely more important.
Related: The Minnesota Twins Rally Sausage is Back…and It Brought Offense
The Twins have been given their best pieces at a time they need them most. Now the three of them will look to stack games together and make a run that laughs in the face of previous frustration.
Related: 5 Minnesota Twins Hitters We Trust Most in the Clutch