DETROIT – Friday saw inning after inning of little more than strikeouts and poorly hit balls, completely neutralizing the Twins offense once more. Unusually, their best pitcher was also badly beaten, giving up five runs in just four innings. However, those gloomy moments were by no means the worst of the Tigers’ 8-2 thumping at gusty Comerica Park. Innocently enough, Carlos Correa strained his right oblique during the first three innings, maybe on a checked swing. The Twins shortstop was carted off the field for an MRI and might be added to the team’s extensive injured list after the game.
Pablo Lopez expressed his sadness quickly after the Twins gave him his shortest start in team history. He also brought up the passing of Royce Lewis on Opening Day. “It is never good to watch someone get hurt, especially when it involves two of the key players who come in every day eager to improve and help the team win. Many people don’t aim to be leaders, but when the chance arises, they seize it. Next man up, we’re going to miss Carlos and we’re definitely going to miss Royce.”
During his third-inning at-bat, Correa appeared to flinch as he halted his swing; it was a small play that had a big impact. Upon being struck out by Tigers starter Tarik Skubal on a called third strike, the highest-paid player for the Twins grabbed his side as he made his way to the dugout. At the top of the stairs, manager Rocco Baldelli greeted him and promptly swapped him out for Willi Castro. Baldelli spoke for twenty minutes with the Twins front office after the game, discussing what to do going forward, particularly with a doubleheader on Saturday. Baldelli stated that the Twins had not made any decisions, but “to be honest, I don’t anticipate him being able to play with this.” I would expect a stint in IL.”