The Minnesota Twins have faced significant injury challenges since the season resumed after the All-Star Break. The team started the second half with key players Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis, and Jose Miranda on the injured list (IL), while Kody Funderburk and Brock Stewart were also dealing with injuries. Despite these setbacks, there is hope on the horizon.
Correa appears to be the furthest from returning, as he continues to recover from plantar fasciitis in his other foot, an ailment that previously hampered his production. The Twins are cautious not to rush his return until he is fully healthy.
Lewis has been on the IL since early July due to an adductor strain, initially feared to sideline him until September. However, both Lewis and Miranda, who was placed on the IL with back tightness before the All-Star Break, may return much sooner.
Potential Returns for Lewis and Miranda This Weekend
According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, both Lewis and Miranda are set to begin rehab assignments, which are not expected to be lengthy. If all goes well, they could rejoin the Twins as early as this weekend’s series against the Detroit Tigers.
“Lewis and Miranda could rejoin their teammates in time to catch Wednesday’s charter flight to Detroit, where the Twins open a series Friday evening,” Hayes reported. “[Miranda] could be cleared Tuesday to join Lewis in St. Paul for the 7:07 p.m. first pitch.”
While the prospect of Lewis returning soon is promising, there is a cautious optimism as he has been open about potentially rushing through his recovery process in the past. His return to the IL was disappointing, marking the second time fans witnessed his absence due to injury. This created an opportunity for rookie Brooks Lee to make his debut, and he has exceeded expectations, likely securing his spot even when Lewis returns.
Miranda’s anticipated return follows an impressive hitting streak, where he reached base in 12 consecutive at-bats. Having both his and Lewis’s offensive contributions back in the lineup will be a significant boost for the Twins as they aim to close the gap on the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central.
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