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As the Twins enter the final stretch of their playoff push, they are navigating the return of two of their biggest stars, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. Both players, having dealt with lingering injuries throughout the season, have been strategically slotted into the lower part of the lineup, a move that may seem surprising given their status. However, a deeper look at the Twins' strategy reveals a cautious yet calculated approach to managing their health.
Buxton and Correa, normally fixtures at the top of the Twins' lineup, have returned to more modest spots in the batting order upon returning from injury. On Saturday, the two stars were slotted into the fifth and sixth spots in the batting order. Buxton has battled a hip injury in recent weeks, while Correa is playing through a painful bout of plantar fasciitis. By placing these stars in lower slots, manager Rocco Baldelli is signaling a desire to ease them back into the grind of regular play without putting too much immediate pressure on them.
One significant factor in this lineup adjustment could be to provide the Twins with flexibility. By batting Buxton and Correa lower, Baldelli can remove them from games earlier if the situation allows. For a team aiming for October success, preserving the health of their stars down the stretch is crucial. Buxton has historically struggled to stay on the field, and Correa's foot condition has been a day-to-day concern. Giving them fewer plate appearances could reduce the risk of aggravating their injuries while allowing other, healthier players to step up.
While their presence on the field offers a clear advantage from a talent standpoint, the emotional boost that typically accompanies the return of cornerstone players has been more muted in this instance. In past years, Buxton's return from injury would inject a surge of energy into the clubhouse and fan base, often coinciding with solid performances. His home run on Friday night was a prime example of how he can step back into the lineup and provide an immediate boost. Both players have played at an All-Star level in 2024, but they've been limited to a combined 168 games. While their potential to contribute remains undeniable, the team is banking on other players to carry the lineup during the final weeks.
On Saturday, both Buxton and Correa were removed from the team’s blowout loss, another sign that the Twins are treading carefully with their star duo. This conservative approach continued into Sunday, as neither player was in the lineup. While Buxton and Correa are back on the roster, their health is questionable enough that Baldelli will continue monitoring their playing time when necessary.
The timing of this caution is crucial. The Twins currently sit in the final playoff spot, but they have little room for error when it comes to their postseason aspirations. Detroit, Seattle, and Boston are closing in, especially with Minnesota’s recent slump. By limiting Buxton’s and Correa’s exposure during September, the team is taking a long-term view, hoping to have both at least partially healthy for a potential playoff run.
Obviously, health is key for any team heading into October. If Buxton and Correa can avoid setbacks, they’ll likely move back into more prominent spots in the lineup during the postseason. Baldelli and the Twins' front office know that a fully operational Buxton (who can deliver Gold Glove-level defense and power) alongside a healthier Correa would elevate their chances of success. In the meantime, expect the team to handle them with care, utilizing the lower spots in the lineup to control their exposure while keeping the Twins competitive.
The balance between maximizing their impact and managing their health will be one of Baldelli’s trickiest challenges as the regular season winds down. The Twins are hoping that these small sacrifices now—like fewer at-bats and an occasional early exit—will pay dividends when the games mean even more come October.
Are the Twins optimally handling their star players? Should Correa and Buxton be used more for the stretch run? Leave a comment and start the discussion.
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- Karbo, Schmoeman5 and Patzky
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