Carlos Correa lands on concussion list, Ryan Fitzgerald is promoted as a corresponding move; Byron Buxton still in concussion protocol
After Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton’s scary collision in the Twins’ 4-0 win against the Orioles on Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported that the Twins placed Correa on the 7-day concussion list and activated utility infielder Ryan Fitzgerald, 30, as a corresponding move. Right-handed pitcher Michael Tonkin was placed on the 60-day IL to make room for Fitzgerald. Buxton is still in concussion protocol.
Fitzgerald, who has a .260/.341/.434 slash line in seven minor league seasons, has yet to make his major league debut. He went undrafted out of Creighton in 2016 and played a year of independent ball before six seasons in the Boston Red Sox’ system and one in the Kansas City Royals'.
The Twins are calling up Fitzgerald over a player with major league experience like Mickey Gasper because Fitzgerald has been on a tear at the minor league level and, unlike Gasper, has yet to have a chance in the big leagues. In 148 plate appearances for the Saints this season, Fitzgerald has impressively hit .328/.426/.528 with four home runs, 11 doubles and 21 RBI.
The Twins have the difficult task of continuing their hot streak without Correa and, potentially, Buxton. While winning 11 straight games, Buxton has slashed .282/.383/.667 with a 184 wRC+, four home runs, a triple and a double while playing standout defense.
Correa has also helped the Twins with his glove lately while hitting .313/.333/.406 with one home run during Minnesota’s winning streak. Although he hasn’t hit for much power or drawn many walks, his recent uptick in hits is a step in the right direction.
Hopefully for the Twins, Buxton returns as soon as tomorrow, and Correa’s time away is as minimal as possible.
UPDATE: Buxton cleared from concussion protocol
UPDATE: Buxton actually still in concussion protocol
Twins set to face National League Rival
Clemens and the Twins are scheduled to compete in a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Game 1 is expected to consist of starting pitchers Joe Ryan (2.74 ERA) and Chad Patrick (3.19 ERA).