The Minnesota Twins appear all but certain to make the postseason . It remains to be seen if they can chase down the Cleveland Guardians. They have been attempting to do so without some of their best players. Carlos Correa has been missing since the All-Star Break , and that has become a problem .
Carlos Correa is a problem and answer for Minnesota Twins
Correa leads the Minnesota Twins with 3.6 fWAR this season . It is literally double the value he provided in twice as many games last season. Plantar fasciitis has kept him out of action for months now. For former general manager Jim Bowden , that’s a significant cause for concern heading into the playoffs.
“ The Twins have arguably the best lineup in the AL Central, but they just haven’t been able to keep their star players healthy — namely Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis and Byron Buxton. Lewis is the only one of the trio currently on the active roster. Correa has been sidelined with plantar fasciitis in his right foot and last played on July 12. Buxton (right hip inflammation) hasn’t played since Aug. 12 and recently had a setback in his rehab . Of the three, Correa is the biggest concern because he’s the team leader and such a good big-game player. In 85 career postseason games, Correa has an .860 OPS with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs. “
Jim Bowden on Carlos Correa being Minnesota’s biggest concern (The Athletic)
It’s clear that Correa could return for the Twins right now, but he isn’t set on doing so. The shortstop is seeking a cleaner bill of health, but won’t be pain free before the season is over. The time for him to ramp back up and return before the regular season is over is getting minimal. Of course, if and when he does return, the Twins will be better for it.
“ Obviously, Correa could be Minnesota’s X-factor when he returns, especially if he’s able to perform close to his accustomed level. The Twins could still catch the Guardians and win the AL Central, but even if they don’t end up winning the division, they’re in a comfortable position to earn a wild-card spot. (FanGraphs gives them a 95.1 percent chance of making the playoffs.) Bottom line: The Twins just need to get Correa back and in form before the playoffs. “
Jim Bowden on Carlos Correa being Minnesota’s x-factor (The Athletic)
Correa returning soon would be a catalyst to helping the lineup go for the division. If he doesn’t return much before the season is over, then wild card positioning is the best case scenario.
Related: Correa’s Injury Process is a Frustrating Waiting Game for Twins
Twins need Carlos Correa for the postseason
No matter how much time he has missed Carlos Correa is a postseason performer. Last season he sat out the final few games of the regular season and then returned for the Wild Card round against Toronto. He went 3-for-7 with an RBI before going 6-for-15 with three doubles against his former Houston team. This is more rust to shake off, but he shows up when the lights shine brightest.
At this point it’s relatively unlikely that the Twins can chase down Cleveland. They do have a four game series against the Guardians starting on September 16 . If he could get into game action with the Saints this week , that may be the most impactful timeframe for a regular season return.
Regardless, the Twins need Correa back on the field in October. They will likely head out for a three-game road series in which they’ll need two wins in order to advance. His plantar fasciitis this time around was reported as more minor. It would be ideal if the plan thus far had followed that sentiment.
Related: 5 Minnesota Twins Hitters We Trust Most in the Clutch
Rocco Baldelli has been forced to play with injured lineups for much of the season. The Twins will need to gut things out when the calendar flips to October.
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