INJURY UPDATE : Twins Head Coach Rocco Daniel Baldelli issues an important Injury update on Carlos Correa and ther two key Duo

Carlos Correa’s 2023 season did not meet his or the Twins organization’s expectations.

The 29-year-old shortstop battled plantar fasciitis for much of last season before sustaining a complete tear in his left foot in mid-September. Correa doesn’t blame his career-low.230 batting average on his injuries, but it certainly didn’t make things easier.

More than four months later, Correa not only feels normal, but may even be better. He claims he has changed his swing to make it simpler, more effective, and efficient, and he is “very happy” with his development.

“You know me, I’m not going to blame my offensive struggles on that,” Correa said Saturday at the TwinsFest celebration, referring to his injury. “It was more than that.” But this year, I’m going to arrive healthy and ready to go. My swing feels fantastic. I’d like to have a big year. That is what I am preparing for.

Correa re-signed with the Twins a year ago after declining free agent offers from the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets due to an existing ankle ailment. He didn’t work out or practice hitting for a month, claiming he was attempting to “save” himself from further injuries. However, Correa stated that he did not receive the necessary work prior to the season. That carried over into live play, as the shortstop admitted he was never able to find a consistent groove, despite a solid postseason.

“Mentally, it works different, too, because when you feel prepared, the confidence comes within,” Correa went on to say. “Last year, coming into spring training, I didn’t feel prepared. I felt like I hadn’t done enough work in the offseason to prepare for 162 [games]. “This year, I feel prepared.”

This offseason has been unusual. Correa resumed hitting in practice in November, earlier than he had in years. He now hits off a machine six days a week and plans to confront live pitching soon.

He claims that about a month ago, his foot rehabilitation finally began to improve his condition. Since then, Correa has added sprints and running, placing him ahead of pitchers and catchers who report on February 14 in Fort Myers, Florida.

“It’s been a really good offseason in terms of the work I’ve put in,” he added. “When I began this offseason, I discovered a place where I feel comfortable, where I believe I can drive the ball and be consistent and repeatable with my mechanics. You’ll see. It’s very good.”