Carlos Correa to return to Twins lineup for first time in over 2 months

The Minnesota Twins may have lost to the Cincinnati Reds but they won in announcing that Carlos Correa will be returning to the lineup on Saturday.

The shortstop has missed over two months of playing time due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot, last playing in a game on July 12. Twins management provided the update to reporters after the team's 8-4 loss at Target Field on Friday night.

In a corresponding move, the Twins are optioning outfielder DaShawn Keirsey to the St.Paul Saints, Minnesota's Triple-A affiliate.

In recent days, Correa has been taking swings at Target Field and faced live pitching in High-A Cedar Rapids. The 29-year-old said earlier this week he has started an unspecified new treatment in the training room that has shown more progress than what was being done before.

Related: Twins News: Here's the latest on Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton injuries

He has been a force when healthy this season for the Twins.

Before he went down the injury, Correa was slashing a .308/.377/.520 line with an OPS of .896. He also has 13 home runs and 47 RBI in 75 games played this year, earning an All Star honor but subsequently couldn't play in the game due to the injury.

The Twins also got Byron Buxton back Friday night after he was out for around a month with a hip injury. The center fielder wasted no time, hitting a home run in his return.

Related: Byron Buxton activated by Twins after monthlong absence

Related: Byron Buxton homers in return but Twins doubled up by Reds, 8-4

The Twins head into Saturday 5.5 games back of Cleveland for first place in the American League Central Division and 2.5 games back of the Kansas City Royals for the second AL Wild Card spot. Minnesota also holds a 2.5 game lead on the Detroit Tigers for the third and final AL Wild Card spot, a 4-game lead on the Seattle Mariners and a 4.5-game lead on the Boston Red Sox.

Correa will make his return to the lineup against the Reds on Saturday at Target Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m.