MINNEAPOLIS — For the second time in two days, the Minnesota Twins have reintroduced one of their star players from the injured list to help their playoff run.
Shortstop Carlos Correa, who has been sidelined since the All-Star break with plantar fasciitis, was activated from the 10-day injured list and will start at shortstop for Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. The Cincinnati Reds.
The Twins reinstated the center fielder on Friday. Byron Buxton from the injured list after missing a month with a hip injury. Buxton hit a home run in his return to the lineup, although Minnesota lost 8-4.
“I’m very positive. I feel good,” Correa said. “I just go out there and try to find my rhythm right away and contribute right off the bat. That’s what you want to do when you’re on. At the same time, we have to go out there and win games.”
Correa hit .308 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs in 75 games this season. He was selected to represent the Twins in the All-Star Game but withdrew due to injury.
As his condition improved, the Twins summoned a handful of minor league pitchers to Target Field to throw batting practice for Correa, Buxton and the injured right fielder. Max Kepler instead of traditional minor league rehab assignments. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said the approach helped major league staffs better monitor injured players and the work they were able to do each day.
He also acknowledged that while Correa’s condition has improved, he’s not yet 100 percent. But with just 15 games left in the regular season and the Twins entering the day with a 2 1/2-game lead over Detroit for the AL’s final wild-card spot, a sense of urgency has set in within the team.
“I think he got to a point where he said, ‘I’m going to give it my all. I’m going to play,’” Baldelli said. “Is the heel problem solved? No, it’s not. It’s still there. But it’s better than what he’s been through the last week, the last month.”
