Twins provide update on shortstop Carlos Correa injury

Twins shortstop Carlos Correa has been diagnosed with muscle strain in his left arch and plantar fasciitis, per John Shipley of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Correa hasn’t been placed on the injured list yet, but it looks like it’s still on the table. “I think we come to Friday and some of our decisions could be made for us,” manager Rocco Baldelli said.

Correa missed Tuesday’s game with a bruised left heel and he had an MRI, for MLB.com’s Dan Hayes. Although some inflammation was found, it appeared to be a minor issue that could allow him to return in a few days and he also entered today’s competition. Now, it looks like further testing has revealed the problem is a bit more serious than initially thought and the club will have to decide whether to officially shelve him or play shorthanded for a few days.

Many fans will read about Correa’s foot and immediately think of the hype that surrounded his free agency this winter when he twice had nine-figure deals scuttled by health issues. He and the Giants agreed to a 13-year, $350 million deal, but pulled out at the last second, leading Correa to pivot to the Mets and a 12-year, $315 million deal . Both of these clubs have grown suspicious of Correa’s ankle health, albeit in his right leg while this week’s issue involves Correa’s left foot.

When those deals fell through, Correa landed the Twins a six-year, $200 million deal with four vesting options that could bring the total payout to $270 million over 10 years. The shortstop escaped the gate here in 2023, currently hitting .213/.302/.396 through 192 board appearances for a 92 wRC+. That’s well below his career, but it’s likely that bad luck plays a part, as his .252 batting average on balls in play is well below his career mark of .315.

It would be fair to expect Correa to perform better in the future via positive regression, but that might have to wait a bit, depending on how long that foot injury lasts. While it doesn’t appear to be a particular concern in itself, the club are dealing with a growing injury problem overall. Infielder/outfielder Joey Gallo missed today’s game with hamstring pain, per MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park, and the club may want to rest him a few more times. Unlike Correa, Gallo has had a stellar start this year, already hitting 11 homers while walking in 14.2% of his plate appearances. This led to a .211/.328/.561 batting line and 141 wRC+.

The Twins also have six position players on the injured list, with Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, Trevor Larnach, Nick Gordon, Gilberto Celestino and Royce Lewis all on the shelf. While Correa and Gallo’s issues appear to be minor, they will continue to test their depth for a period when they are already stretched. Given that the club has been largely destroyed by injuries in 2022, they will surely be hoping for a bit more luck in that department in the coming months as they look to maintain their slim lead in American League Central.