Last season the Minnesota Twins watched as Carlos Correa attempted to gut through playing as many games as he could handle. The bout of plantar fasciitis clearly sapped his effectiveness. This time around it’s clearly about immediate results.
Carlos Correa following Royce Lewis path for Minnesota Twins
Before the All-Star Break it was reported Carlos Correa had plantar fasciitis again . The suggestion was this would be different. The issue was present in his other foot, and it appeared to be a more minor case. Rocco Baldelli made it seem as though Correa’s time on the shelf would be minimal . But that was over a month ago, and there’s still no real end in sight.
Then there’s Royce Lewis. The young infielder has played only 40 games this year, but has blasted 15 home runs and produced nearly 1.9 fWAR . Every time he steps on the field it seems as though he is about to do something jaw-dropping. Lewis hit grand slams in the biggest moments last year, and again as he returned from injury. Each time he was healthy he showed up.
It seems that Correa may be taking a page out of the young infielder’s playbook, or maybe Minnesota is. Rather than rushing back, the Twins appear content with Willi Castro, Brooks Lee (prior to his latest IL designation) and other players cycling through the position. Getting Correa to a point of near-perfect health, prior to September/October, is a must. If that takes additional time, so be it.
Availability isn’t Carlos Correa’s best ability for Minnesota Twins
Last season, Correa played in 135 games but generated just 1.9 fWAR . He was available, but it was more than evident he was simply a shell of himself.
In only 75 games this season, Correa has been worth a team-best 3.6 fWAR. When he has been on the field, he has been every bit the All-Star that he was selected to be. But they didn’t just learn this lesson via Correa’s 2023 injury struggles.
Related: Carlos Correa Named 2024 MLB All-Star
Like Correa, Byron Buxton sought to be as available as possible last season, but as a DH, he wasn’t nearly the player he is as a CF. The Twins saw their star center fielder struggle, because he wasn’t healthy enough, and his production fell off a cliff, because of it. He wound up needing an offseason procedure anyways, and wasn’t available during the 2023 postseason (outside of one at-bat).
It is often said that a Major League Baseball player’s best ability, is availability. The Twins have seen first hand, however, that having available players with nagging injuries is anti-productive too.
Waiting to bring Correa back until he is at near-full health, will guarantee Minnesota is getting one of the MLB’s best late season hitters of all time, not a shell of that guy. Hopefully, that’s sooner, rather than later.
The Minnesota Twins trudge on without Correa
Baldelli’s team has closed the gap in the AL Central while Correa has been out. Other talent has stepped up. Correa has remained around the team and continues to be an integral part of everything that goes on for the organization. Right now though, he is focused on being at his best once again.
Related: Twins are Dangerously Close to Being the Best Team in the American League
There is still no timeline for Correa to return to action. When he does though, it will likely include at least a brief rehab assignment. Should the Twins get their starting shortstop back in late August or early September, then his addition back to the roster will largely be more impactful than anything they could have added at the trade deadline.
More must-reads:
Local Minneapolis, MN
Most Popular
Comments / 0