Twins Activate All-Star Shortstop Carlos Correa from Injured List

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins have made a critical move for their playoff ambition by reinstating star shortstop Carlos Correa from the injured list. This decision comes just one day after center fielder Byron Buxton returned from his injury.

Correa, who has been out of action since the All-Star break due to plantar fasciitis, is set to start at shortstop in Saturday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. The Twins are clearly eager to bolster their roster as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.

On Friday, Buxton made his return after a month sidelined by a hip injury, marking his comeback with a home run in an 8-4 loss to the Reds. His positive performance seems to have set the tone for the team’s revival efforts.

With the playoffs looming, Correa expressed his enthusiasm about getting back on the field. “I’m going in very positive. I feel great,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to find his rhythm quickly and make tangible contributions to the team. “That’s what you want to do when you get activated. At the same time, we have to go out there and win some games.”

Before his injury, Correa had an impressive season, batting .308 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs over 75 games. He earned a selection to the All-Star Game but had to withdraw due to his ailment, adding to the urgency of his return.

As Correa’s recovery progressed, the Twins opted for an innovative approach by bringing in minor league pitchers to Target Field to help Correa, Buxton, and also the injured Max Kepler prepare for their returns, rather than traditional rehab assignments. Manager Rocco Baldelli noted that this method allowed the coaching staff to closely monitor the players’ progress and focus on their daily work.

Despite the positive strides in his recovery, Correa is not yet completely free of discomfort. With only 15 games remaining in the regular season and the Twins holding a 2.5-game lead over the Detroit Tigers for the final American League wild card spot, the urgency for Correa and the team is palpable.

Baldelli acknowledged the complexity of Correa’s situation, noting, “I think he basically got to a point where he just said, ‘I’m going to give this everything that I have. I’m going to go out there and I’m going to play.’ Is the heel issue resolved? No, it’s not. It’s still there. But it’s better than what he was dealing with last week, last month.”

As the team looks ahead to the final stretch of the season, the added depth of both Correa and Buxton is crucial. Their contributions could be pivotal in securing a playoff spot, and the Twins’ management is keenly aware of how vital these final games will be. With two key players back on the field, the Twins hope to capitalize on their potential and make a strong push towards postseason play.

With the playoff race heating up, fans of the Twins are undoubtedly eager to see how their team performs with these star players returning to the lineup. The excitement in the air is contagious as the players gear up for the challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks.