For the first time in almost two months, Carlos Correa stepped into the batter's box at Target Field and saw live pitching.
It wasn't part of a game, but Correa took a major step toward getting there on Tuesday afternoon. Correa has been on the IL since late-July with plantar fasciitis, an injury he dealt with this time last season only in the other foot.
While no injury can be simply brushed off, there was extra concern with Correa's foot since it's the one that caused those infamous medical red flags with the Giants and Mets. Not only has that been a source of anxiety for fans, but the fact that Correa hasn't been in the lineup for the most critical part of the season has not gone unnoticed as the Twins continue to slide in the wrong direction.
Minnesota has just a few weeks left in the season and a slim three game lead on Detroit, Boston, and Seattle for the final Wild Card spot. Correa's absence from the lineup hasn't helped, but it seems like that miserable streak might be about to end.
Carlos Correa taking batting practice is a sight for sore eyes
Correa took live batting practice at Target Field and didn't look like a guy dealing with a foot injury while doing it. Bally Sports North's Audra Martin delivered the good news and gave Twins fans a sight they've been waiting since July 20th to see.
Carlos Correa taking live BP today at Target Field. pic.twitter.com/SdhnhJjgiA
— Audra Martin (@Audra_Martin) September 10, 2024
Not only that, but Byron Buxton was also at Target Field taking batting practice, which is another massively positive sign.
With Byron Buxton on deck, Carlos Correa takes live batting practice against High-A Cedar Rapids lefthander Jordan Carr on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/dsYMdnjmes
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) September 10, 2024
Correa's first season after signing a $200 million contract wasn't what anyone wanted it to be, himself included. He slumped for most of the year, with things getting so bad that he was booed at Target Field by frustrated fans.
Rather than push back, Correa accepted the criticism and turned it into motivation to start turning things around. His season is better remembered for how much he proved his worth in the ALDS than that gnarly summer slump, and he once again reminded everyone why the Twins paid him this year.
Correa went on one of the best hitting streaks of his career in June, collecting 17 hits, 9 RBI and 3 home runs over seven days. In a game against the Rockies, Correa went 5-for-6 and joined Kirby Puckett, Tony Olivia, and Joe Mauer by becoming the tenth player in team history to record 22 or more hits over a ten game span.
That's the guy Minnesota is missing from its lineup and it helps explain why things stalled out after he hit the IL. It's impossible to overstate how important it is to get Correa back, and seeing him this close is the ray of hope Twins fans desperately need right now.
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