After Byron Buxton suffered his latest injury, the Minnesota Twins waited a couple of days, before putting him on the injured list . This latest hip malady is not expected to be serious, but missed time is never straight forward with our favorite oft-injured center fielder.
Timeline for Minnesota Twins Byron Buxton makes little sense
Buxton removed himself in the fifth inning of an August 12 game against the Kansas City Royals. He immediately went into the clubhouse, complaining of hip discomfort.
A few days later, he was placed on the IL, retroactive to August 13th. There was optimism at the time that he may only need to miss the minimum. Now 7 days in, we’re still in wait and see mode. Friday is still possible, according to the Twins’ head athletic trainer, but he seems far from sure of himself.
It’s great that we can’t rule out a return for Friday, at home against the St. Louis Cardinals. It’s not great that the Twins won’t put a timeline. Hip issues are something that Buxton missed substantial time for in both 2021 and 2022.
The discomfort is connected to the nagging knee injuries he has had in the past. Minnesota’s trainer elaborated a bit more with Phil Miller of the Star Tribune.
“Today [Tuesday] was the first day we gad a chance to get him on the ground. He’s been hitting in the cage, throwing, doing outfield work. Things are going well, progressing along nicely…The day off Thursday gives us a chance to reconvene. I get a chance to talk to him and see face-to-face how things are going.”
Twins trainer Nick Paparesta on Byron Buxton to Phil Miller (Star Tribune)
Byron Buxton can boost Minnesota Twins down the stretch
We can’t write him in, obviously, but Rocco writing Buxton’s name in the lineup on Friday would be great to see. The Minnesota Twins have struggled to pitch, specifically out of the bullpen, lately.
Related: Byron Buxton Gets a Shot, Hits Injured List for Minnesota Twins
Their lineup has been consistently productive, but putting Byron Buxton back in it would be a massive boost. Not just offensively, but defensively, too. It’s important to note that Buck has remained remarkably healthy this season (by his standards).
Buxton, who owns a 137 OPS+, is just three games shy of playing the second-most games in a season, during his 10-year MLB career. Dating back to June 7th, he has been unstoppable. His .325/.388/.675 slash line is impressive.
He also has 15 doubles and 13 dingers in that 46 game stretch. No matter how good of a game either Manuel Margot or Austin Martin have, neither are capable of replicating that production.
Related: Some Twins Fans Should Seek Therapy for Their Unwarranted Rocco Baldelli Hatred
The Twins are in postseason contention, and still looking to chase down the Cleveland Guardians. The sooner Buxton can help achieve that again, the better.
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