Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has been listed as day-to-day after re-aggravating a right hip impingement during Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees. The injury occurred early in the contest when Buxton was caught stealing after recording a single in the first inning.
Injury Status and Timeline
Buxton had only just returned to the Twins’ starting lineup on Saturday, July 4, following a four-game absence caused by the same hip issue. His early departure on Sunday raises concerns regarding the durability of his recovery, though the team has not yet classified the severity of this latest setback. With a scheduled team off-day on Monday, the organization is hopeful that the extra rest will allow him to be available for the upcoming series opener against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday.
Impact on the Twins’ Season
The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating for both the player and the club. Just one day prior, it was announced that Buxton had been voted in as an American League starter for the MLB All-Star Game—the first such honor of his career and his third selection overall. Buxton has been a cornerstone of the Twins’ offense this season, posting a .269/.326/.574 slash line with 25 home runs and 45 RBIs across 74 games. His performance has been instrumental in keeping the Twins competitive as they look to make a push in the AL Central standings.
As the team approaches the August 3 trade deadline, the health of key contributors like Buxton remains a critical factor for the front office. While the Twins have maintained the top run-scoring offense in the American League, the recurring nature of Buxton’s hip impingement remains a significant variable for the club’s long-term outlook this summer.