No fractured finger for Minnesota Twins star Carlos Correa, CT scan shows

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins have avoided a scare with star shortstop Carlos Correa, whose right middle finger is not broken as initially feared following a hit-by-pitch in the previous game.

The CT scan Friday confirmed that he did not suffer a fracture, president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said. He's just bruised and sore.

«Thank you Lord,» Correa tweeted.

His status will be evaluated day to day, and he won't have to go on the injured list.

«The reality is it's just going to be inflammation and soreness management,» Falvey said.

For now, top prospect Royce Lewis will replace Correa. Lewis was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to make his major league debut, filling the roster spot of infielder Luis Arraez, who was placed on the COVID-19 list.

Correa was plunked twice in Minnesota's loss at Baltimore on Thursday. The first one in the fifth inning appeared to graze off his left forearm and get him in the right shoulder. The second one in the eighth inning hit his right hand while it was on the handle of the bat with him in the middle of a half-swing. The ball went into fair territory, and Correa was easily retired on a groundout.

After a slow start at the plate to his first season with the Twins, Correa was just getting going with a .412 batting average (14 for 34) and eight RBI in his last eight games.

After signing a three-year, $105.3 million contract with the Twins that comes with an opt-out clause after this season and next, Correa has provided instant leadership and a steady presence at shortstop where he won the 2021 AL Gold Glove Award.

The Twins, who took a 2 1/2-game lead on Cleveland in the AL Central entering their game against Oakland on Friday, have been stretched thin this week.

Manager Rocco