How Much Should the Twins Play Carlos Correa?

[Cody Christie]

Plantar fasciitis has impacted Carlos Correa throughout the 2023 season. So, how much will the team play Correa over the final weeks with the division seemingly locked up?

Image courtesy of Brock Beauchamp & Twins Daily

Back in May, the Twins first announced that Correa was dealing with plantar fasciitis, a lingering foot injury that takes time to go away. Time off his feet can help to deal with the immediate issues surrounding the injury, but it will likely take an entire offseason to recover. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli dealt with the injury during his playing career, and it didn’t go away until he took the offseason to get off his feet. Unfortunately, other players deal with plantar fasciitis for the remainder of their careers. 

Correa has played in over 130 games for the third consecutive season but is putting up the worst offensive numbers of his career. In 132 games, he is hitting .230/.310/.402 (.712) with 29 doubles, two triples, and 18 home runs. His 94 OPS+ is the second-lowest total of his career behind the shortened 2020 season. He has played more games than any other Twins player, but the club might need to find ways to give him more of a break during the stretch run. 

The Twins gave Correa two consecutive days off last week after his injury seemed to impact his defense in back-to-back games. He was charged with an error last Monday and misplayed a ball on Tuesday that allowed a run to score. These were both uncharacteristic plays for a former Platinum Glove winner at shortstop, even if he has lost a step on the defensive side of the ball. His injury has also impacted his base running, as he has been arguably the team’s worst base runner. 

Even with his struggles, Correa’s offensive performance seems to be coming around since the calendar turned to September. In the month’s first 12 games, he has gone 15-for-48 (.313 BA) with three doubles and two home runs. His .865 OPS is 130 points higher than any other month this season. Correa finished last season on a high note in September, and he’s been known for being a strong performer in the playoffs. Now, the Twins hope Correa can hit his stride for an October playoff run. 

The Twins will need to try and find the balance of rest for Correa while also keeping him ready for the postseason. His schedule will likely include multiple days off in a row or sitting out a game if the club has an off day on the next day. The Twins have two remaining off days: Thursday, September 21st, and Monday, September 25th. The Twins likely give him the day off in the games before or after the off days to maximize his rest time. He’s made it clear that he wants to be in the line-up regularly, even if his heel is bothering him. 

“I’m getting paid to play baseball, right?” said Correa to reporters. “If I feel like I can go out there and at least be a certain percentage where I can just play and try to help the team, I’m going to show up. I don’t like being on the IL. I don’t like sitting out.”

Entering play on Monday, the Twins have 12 remaining games on the schedule, with the final three in the high altitude of Colorado. It seems likely for Correa to play in seven or fewer of the team’s remaining games, including limited action during the Rockies series. The Twins can also give him time at DH to keep his bat in the line-up while also avoiding some of the strain on his heel. 

How much should the Twins play Correa over the season’s final games? Are you encouraged by his offensive performance in September? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[umterp23]

Seemingly locked up is not locked up.  Rest him after we have clinched a playoff spot or after we claim #2 seed.  #2 seed is still a slight possibility but playoffs aren't secured yet

 

[DJL44]

Play him enough that he keeps his timing when batting. No day games after night games. I would plan on resting him 9/20, 9/22 (with an off day between), 9/28 and 10/1.

[ToddlerHarmon]

About the only point in DH days would be to keep his timing together, so that might be an option for the final series. In general, I'd like to see them take the same approach with CC, the starters, and anyone like Julien who is nursing an injury: a big break right after clinching, and then play the first halves of the games in Colorado.

[farmerguychris]

Ask Carlos what he feels will be best for his body to heal up a bit, yet also considering his ability to still be sharp for the post season.

 

[strumdatjag]

DH and off-days if the trainer thinks that will help limit the foot pain.  Seems obvious to me (which means I’m probably wrong). 

[Karbo]

Once we clinch, decide if there's enough of chance for #2 or not. If the odds are long, I would rest him 2 and play him 1 to keep him sharp. He will be needed in playoffs. Hopefully an off season of rest will correct the problem.

[Brandon]

12 games left.  6 at SS with 3 at DH and 3 on the bench.  Seems legit.

[Woof Bronzer]

31 minutes ago, farmerguychris said:

Ask Carlos what he feels will be best for his body to heal up a bit, yet also considering his ability to still be sharp for the post season.

 

I'd say ask the medical staff instead.  If players are going to make medical decisions I don't know why we have a medical staff.  And Carlos' decision to play injured has hurt the team.  

[Linus]

I would make sure he has a complete rest day every other day.  The bat is coming around but he has had a couple plays in the field that looked really lifeless. Kepler too - I think he could use a rest. 

[chpettit19]

How much rest is needed between now and October 3rd to have his feet be feeling significantly better? Is it actually realistic that his feet are going to be feeling truly better by then? I'd think not, but I'm not a Dr. If not then he can have 9/20, 9/26, and 9/30 off. DH 3 other games, including game 162 on 10/1, and play SS the other 6 games. I wouldn't give him anymore than 3 actual days off the rest of the year, though. His timing at the plate is far more important than any rest days, assuming it's not realistic to get his feet back and truly feeling good before the postseason starts.

[IaBeanCounter]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

Once we clinch, decide if there's enough of chance for #2 or not. If the odds are long, I would rest him 2 and play him 1 to keep him sharp. He will be needed in playoffs. Hopefully an off season of rest will correct the problem.

I agree, the Twins need to cinch first.  The Cincinnati series is very important as Cle is playing KC and Hou is playing Balt.  Ideally the Twins leave Cincinnati with a magic number of 3 or less and know whether the 2 seed is attainable (Balt sweeps Hou.)

[farmerguychris]

1 hour ago, Woof Bronzer said:

I'd say ask the medical staff instead.  If players are going to make medical decisions I don't know why we have a medical staff.  And Carlos' decision to play injured has hurt the team.  

Point for you.  Better answer.

[Blyleven2011]

Rest for his plantar fasciitis would probably be useful  but his timing at the plate to stay fresh is just as important  , give him some rest in the next 9 games ( 3 to 5 games ) but play him for sure the last 3 games of the season  so his timing is right for the playoffs ...

I'm sure he wants to play every game and has to grin and bare the pain , but for the best for the team and Correa too , he should get some rest  ...

Be the best in the playoffs that he can ( shine baby shine ) ...

I was out of town  for the Chicago series and I know he had 2 days off , how did he fair the next game he played after the 2 days of rest ???

[Dantes929]

1 hour ago, Woof Bronzer said:

I'd say ask the medical staff instead.  If players are going to make medical decisions I don't know why we have a medical staff.  And Carlos' decision to play injured has hurt the team.  

It's kind of a unique injury.    It's not like Perkins back in the day saying he had a sore arm without telling anyone or Morneau with a stress fracture.  It's not like a hamstring, groin pull,  or sprained ankle where time off and therapy will help and trying to run will only make it worse.    It is a weird ailment.   I have it right now.  Walking on uneven terrain is the worst.   Resting it doesn't seem to do much.   Getting up from sitting for a while is painful.    Sometimes after being active and in pain it feels better the next day.  Sometimes the pain is worse after resting it.    The one thing I have heard is that it takes a long time to go away.    So while I have criticized players decisions to play hurt in the past this is an injury where I give him a pass.   I think we are better with him in there even if it hinders his play.   His decision to play only hurts the team if someone else would have done batter.   I am not convinced of that.    I assume the medical staff is helping him with whatever stretching and therapy he needs and I am guessing because of what I have stated above they leave it up to him to decide about how much pain he is in.   If you haven't had it, then you don't know.

[mikelink45]

Give him a 10 day IL, bring someone else up and let him recover.  I do not think one or two days makes a difference.  His injury gives a lot of pain and it is amazing he has done as well as he has this year. 

[Patzky]

4 hours ago, umterp23 said:

Seemingly locked up is not locked up.  Rest him after we have clinched a playoff spot or after we claim #2 seed.  #2 seed is still a slight possibility but playoffs aren't secured yet

 

Thanks Royals. It won't be long now.

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

Give him a 10 day IL, bring someone else up and let him recover.  I do not think one or two days makes a difference.  His injury gives a lot of pain and it is amazing he has done as well as he has this year. 

A 10 day IL stint basically ends his regular season. I don't know much about the recovery from his foot pain, but is it likely that he'd see such a significant improvement that it'd make up for him sitting out the rest of the season and going into the playoffs with just a couple games played in Colorado to get his timing back? Feels like a bold gamble to take.

[DocBauer]

We just don't know how bad of a case he has, so I can only speak from my own experience. As Dantes929 stated, sitting down and resting for short periods is almost worse. Whe. I had my case, I could barely stand or walk for about 20 minutes after eating lunch, for instance. But things would loosen up after that 20 minutes, though it also still hurt pretty badly.

Continued therapy and the offseason will hopefully get him right for 2024. But I'd say it's a combination of what he's feeling as well as what the trainers feel is best. Agree he should take a day off surrounding the off days. But if he does that, he should just stay off the foot altogether. Right now it appears to be about maintenance, not healing. That's about all a couple of days are going to do.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

I am basically in agreement with several posters in that I want him to get a little time off, but not so much that he loses he newly regained stroke at the plate.  Also, as a veteran of plantar fasciitis myself, I also can concur that it's definitely a "you just don't know what it is doing from day to day" type of issue, although, I'm guessing that good physical therapy is probably preferable to the abuse it probably takes playing shortstop in the major leagues.  

This is probably a conversation that they have already had with him.  He is most certainly a high level professional, and regardless of the season he has had offensively, probably has a better idea than anyone else what will make him the most effective for the playoffs.  Whatever that is, he (and the team) should do it without hesitation. 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

well he reaggravated it in the game tonight, so it’s a brand new question now. 

[Nine of twelve]

There’s no question that the top priority is to have him functioning as well as possible on October 3 and beyond. I am certain that the team will act with that in mind. For people on this website to post a specific regimen is silly because we simply don’t know enough. And whether he plays or not, if we can’t qualify for the postseason during the remaining 11 games we don’t deserve to make it.

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

10-day IL would bring him back for the last series vs the Rockies.

Do it.

[saviking]

16 hours ago, DocBauer said:

We just don't know how bad of a case he has, so I can only speak from my own experience. As Dantes929 stated, sitting down and resting for short periods is almost worse. Whe. I had my case, I could barely stand or walk for about 20 minutes after eating lunch, for instance. But things would loosen up after that 20 minutes, though it also still hurt pretty badly.

Continued therapy and the offseason will hopefully get him right for 2024. But I'd say it's a combination of what he's feeling as well as what the trainers feel is best. Agree he should take a day off surrounding the off days. But if he does that, he should just stay off the foot altogether. Right now it appears to be about maintenance, not healing. That's about all a couple of days are going to do.

Yes, he's had it the entire year so it's not going away. I'm not concerned about whether he plays the rest of the regular season or not at all. It's not like he's carrying the team. Our three rookies (Julien, Lewis, and Wallner) are carrying the team and  Lewis could take over at SS if need be .. 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

4 hours ago, Nine of twelve said:

For people on this website to post a specific regimen is silly because we simply don’t know enough. And whether he plays or not, if we can’t qualify for the postseason during the remaining 11 games we don’t deserve to make it.

What about people on this website who thought he should rest or go on the IL as soon as symptoms appeared or it was diagnosed?

[JD-TWINS]

On 9/18/2023 at 3:10 PM, farmerguychris said:

Point for you.  Better answer.

Pretty sure it can be assumed the medical staff is involved daily.

[JD-TWINS]

He’ll start at SS 6-8 more games. He’ll rest as much as possible. Too many others need AB’s & they’ll be DHing the remainder of the year. He’ll feel better but far from feeling good!

More concerned about getting pitching lined up!

Am assuming we’ll exchange Buxton for Stephenson on active roster for September 25 through remainder of the year.