Correa's return appears imminent after Twins' roster moves

MINNEAPOLIS – The Twins made a couple of small moves on Thursday, which put them in position to make a bigger one on Friday.

Minnesota optioned infielder Ryan Fitzgerald to Triple-A St. Paul and returned infielder/catcher Mickey Gasper to St. Paul after he had been the 27th man for Wednesday's unique doubleheader. No corresponding move has been announced. That leaves an open roster spot, which would open the door for Carlos Correa to be activated Friday.

Head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta expressed confidence Wednesday regarding Correa’s recovery from a concussion, and had indicated it was possible Correa would undergo a key pre-activation screening ahead of the weekend set against the Royals. It now appears Correa is in position to return for the series opener at Target Field.

Correa collided with Byron Buxton as both were chasing a fly ball in Baltimore on May 15. Both stars were placed on the seven-day concussion injured list. Paparesta said Wednesday that Correa was progressing very well, and that he could undergo ImPACT screening -- a necessary condition for being activated -- within the next couple of days.

That would line up with Correa being able to be activated on Friday, which would be the first day that he is eligible to return. Paparesta also expressed optimism regarding Buxton’s recovery, but made it clear that the outfielder was somewhat behind Correa in his recovery.

Buxton has suffered two previous concussions, making him potentially subject to more severe symptoms and a longer recovery time.

Gasper had been called up Wednesday as the 27th man because the Twins and Guardians played a full game after completing a suspended game.