Twins Video
The Twins added one middle relief pitcher (Trevor Richards) at the trade deadline, forcing the team to rely on internal options for the stretch run. Are any key players nearing a return? What players will be expected to step in if extended injury timelines exist? Let’s examine the team’s roster and the organizational depth chart.
Carlos Correa, SS
Injury: Plantar fasciitis
The Twins placed Correa on the 10-day IL on Jul. 20, as he deals with plantar fasciitis in his right heel. Last season, his left heel had the same injury, significantly impacting his performance. He had a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to help with the injury.
Correa has started to ramp up his baseball activities by working in the batting cages, running on the field, and taking ground balls. His next steps are to attempt to sprint without pain. The Twins plan to send Correa on a short rehab assignment to ensure his timing is back before returning to the big-league level. Brooks Lee and Willi Castro have filled in for Correa at shortstop in his absence. Return Timeline: Mid-to-Late August
Brock Stewart, RHP
Injury: Right shoulder strain
In his most recent return from the IL, Stewart was limited to two appearances. He struggled in those outings and was placed back on the IL with a recurrence of the right shoulder issue that caused him to miss nearly three months. Stewart has been one of the AL’s most dominant relief pitchers when healthy. However, he has been limited to fewer than 16 innings this season. There is a chance that his season is done, but the Twins will likely try to ramp him up in a few weeks to see what his shoulder can endure. Minnesota has made it through most of the season without Stewart, as Griffin Jax and Jorge Alcalá have filled his late-inning role. Return Timeline: Potentially Mid-to-Late September
Kody Funderburk, LHP
Injury: Left oblique strain
Funderburk has been on the IL since Jul. 21, after he felt his oblique bother him while playing catch. He told reporters the expected timeline for his injury was six to eight weeks. Caleb Thielbar and Steven Okert have been the team’s main left-handed bullpen options. Minnesota was rumored to be in the market for a lefty at the trade deadline, but added Richards, a righty with reverse splits, instead. Minnesota needs more bullpen depth, and Funderburk will get an opportunity before the season ends. Return Timeline: Late September
Chris Paddack, RHP
Injury: Right forearm strain
Paddack was expected to be the veteran at the back of the rotation, but injuries have impacted his return from his second Tommy John surgery. He was placed on the IL after feeling tightness in his elbow while throwing during the All-Star break. In early July, he missed time with a dead arm and shoulder fatigue. Young pitchers like Simeon Woods Richardson and David Festa have stepped into the rotation in Paddack’s absence. There are no guarantees that Paddack will pitch again this season, and it might need to be in a bullpen role. Return Timeline: Potentially Mid-to-Late September
Kyle Farmer, IF
Injury: Right shoulder strain
Farmer dealt with a shoulder issue throughout much of the first half, before being placed on the IL on Jul. 11. His offensive performance was greatly impacted in the first half, so getting him fully healthy might help the team for the stretch run. The Twins have used other players around the infield, like Lee, Castro, and José Miranda. He's already on a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, so expect Farmer back soon. Return Timeline: Mid-August
Justin Topa, RHP
Injury: Left patellar tendinitis
Topa is on the brink of returning to the Twins. He’s made multiple successful rehab appearances with the Saints. He is pitching through a partial tear of a muscle in his knee that could require surgery in the future. Last season, he was a critical late-inning bullpen option for the Mariners, so he could be one of the key reasons the Twins didn’t overpay for a reliever at the trade deadline. Return Timeline: Early August
Which player will return from injury first? Which injury return will significantly impact the roster for the stretch run? Leave a comment and start the discussion.
Follow Twins Daily For Minnesota Twins News & Analysis
- glunn, nclahammer, mikelink45 and 1 other
-
4
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now