The Twins have positioned shortstop Carlos Correa on the seven-day concussion injured record. He and outfielder Byron Buxton collided whereas trying to make a catch yesterday and each gamers entered concussion protocol. Per Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune, Buxton remains to be within the protocol and there received’t be an replace earlier than tonight’s recreation begins. Infielder/outfielder Ryan Fitzgerald has been chosen to take Correa’s place on the roster. To open a 40-man spot, right-hander Michael Tonkin has been transferred to the 60-day injured record. Dan Hayes of The Athletic was amongst these to relay the strikes.
Within the recreation, Cedric Mullins lofted a pop-up to shallow middle subject, as seen on this video from MLB.com. Correa drifted out to get it whereas Buxton charged in. Buxton tried to name off Correa on the final second however Correa wasn’t in a position to get out of the way in which. The 2 collided with each showing to take a knock on the pinnacle. Each have been faraway from the sport and positioned in concussion protocol.
It’s unclear how lengthy Correa is anticipated to be out however his well being clearly take precedence in a state of affairs like this. The Twins have Brooks Lee at shortstop tonight and he may see common time there for now. Willi Castro can also be an possibility however he’s in left subject tonight, serving to to cowl on the grass whereas Buxton and Harrison Bader are each banged up.
Though it’s not underneath essentially the most nice of circumstances, Fitzgerald will get to the majors for the primary time, simply forward of his thirty first birthday. He has been grinding within the minors for some time, making his skilled debut again in 2018.
He’s by no means actually been on the prospect radar however is having an important season. He has taken 148 Triple-A appearances to this point this yr, drawing a stroll in 12.8% of these whereas solely putting out 19.6% of the time. He has 4 residence runs and a .328/.426/.528 line, which interprets to a 154 wRC+.
What additionally most likely appeals to this Twins is his defensively versatility. In his minor league profession, he has performed each place exterior of the battery. Along with Correa and Buxton, the Twins are additionally working round minor accidents to Bader and Ty France, although the latter is within the lineup tonight. No matter occurs, Fitzgerald ought to be capable of assist them out.
As for Tonkin, this doesn’t change a lot about his standing. He has been on the 15-day injured record because the begin of the season on account of a rotator cuff pressure and his 60-day rely may be backdated to that preliminary placement. Meaning he can technically be reinstated as quickly as late Might. He began a rehab project in the midst of April however that was lately shut down, per Hayes. As of that Might eleventh replace, Tonkin had simply skilled a setback on account of tendinitis in his proper bicep and was set to obtain an anti-inflammatory injection.
