Correa’s finger injury not serious

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 Class AAA 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 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.

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

The Twins, who took a 2 ½-game lead on Cleveland in the AL Central entering their game against Oakland on Friday, have been stretched thin this week.

Manager Rocco Baldelli, Arraez and starting pitcher Dylan Bundy all tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, sidelining them for the time being. Bench coach Jayce Tingler has taken over as temporary manager with Baldelli out.

First baseman Miguel Sano is out indefinitely, facing surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee.