Shortstop Carlos Correa expected to return before center fielder Byron Buxton 

Correa and Buxton have been on the concussion list since their scary collision in last Thursday’s 4-0 win against the Orioles.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Betsy Helfand, Twins head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta said Correa has been partaking in baseball activities and his concussion symptoms are nearly gone. Buxton, who has a history of concussions, is behind Correa concerning returning.

Without Correa and Buxton, the Twins’ highest-paid position players, Minnesota has still managed to win three of five games. Still, it’s hard to imagine the team can continue to be successful without Correa and Buxton. Both are eligible to return on Friday.

Correa has had an uncharacteristically terrible start to the season, slashing .236/.274/.331 with two home runs. While he has still created hard contact, his poor hitting stats are primarily a result of hitting the ball on the ground too often.

Additionally, he has battled a sore wrist this season, potentially negatively impacting his ability to hit. However, he hit .313/.333/.406 from May 3 until his concussion, which isn’t great, but his high batting average is a step in the right direction.

Buxton has been the Twins’ most valuable player this season per bWAR (1.8) due to outstanding defense and baserunning, and slashing .261/.312/.522 with a team-leading 10 home runs, five doubles and three triples.

Outfielder Matt Wallner should begin rehab assignment on Thursday 

Wallner, who landed on the Injured List with a left hamstring strain after being removed from the Twins’ game against the Mets on April 15, was supposed to start as the designated hitter for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints on Wednesday, but the game was postponed. He should begin his rehab assignment on Thursday.

Wallner was arguably the Twins’ best hitter before his injury, slashing .263/.373/.474 with one home run, five doubles and two triples in 67 plate appearances.

Twins set to host Kansas City Royals

Minnesota is scheduled to begin a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at 7:10 p.m. CT on Friday. Game 1’s expected starting pitchers are righty Pablo López and lefty Noah Cameron.