Following the Minnesota Twins' insertion back into the discussion for a potential Wild Card spot in the American League, one of the biggest goals that MLB insiders highlighted for the team is to stay healthy. Unfortunately, the Twins have already proven this week that it is easier said than done.
The biggest blow for the Twins came on Wednesday when the team announced that starting pitcher Pablo López will miss the next 8-to-12 weeks with a shoulder strain. López's injury news overshadowed the fact that shortstop Carlos Correa missed Wednesday's game against the Athletics with a sore back.
Correa hasn't been a stranger to back issues, which is why any time he is forced to miss a game with that description, there is a fear that it will linger into a larger concern. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Correa did his best to ease the anxiety of Twins fans. The star shortstop told reporters the issue was more with the batter's box at Sutter Health Park.
“It’s not the same spot,” Correa told reporters. “It’s a little higher, which is why I know it’s (the batter’s box) because it’s never happened to me before. I haven’t changed anything in my routine for it to be that. The only thing that’s changed is me slipping every time I take a swing.”
Carlos Correa injury update for Minnesota Twins
Correa also confirmed that he will be back in the Twins' starting lineup when they return home on Friday night to play the Toronto Blue Jays. If anything, the injury scare for Correa is a reminder of the potential dangers involved with the Athletics playing their home games at a minor-league stadium. The conditions aren't on the same level as an actual Major League field, and this does create an added level of concern. Fortunately, it seems that Correa and the Twins avoided a major injury.
As the Twins look to remain in contention in light of López's absence, the team will need Correa to return to his usual level of production on offense. Correa is carrying a wRC+ of 87 on the season, but after posting a mark of 149 in May, the hope is that he is getting back on track.