​The Minnesota Twins announced Tuesday that center fielder Byron Buxton has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a re-aggravated right hip strain. Buxton had been dealing with soreness in his right hip for weeks, and although he showed up and performed for the team, the discomfort persisted, leaving the Twins with a difficult decision. As a result, Buxton will miss at least the next several games and is unavailable for this year’s festivities in the All-Star Game.
The absence is especially disappointing for Twins fans who had hoped to see Buxton represent the club as a starter for the first time in his career. On Friday, Major League Baseball announced the official replacement on the American League roster. “Munetaka Murakami has been named to the AL All-Star team! He replaces Byron Buxton on the roster,” the league posted on X (Twitter). While it’s tough for Twins supporters to see a division-rival take the spot, Murakami’s merits are undeniable. His addition came after a period of absence earlier in the season due to a six-week hamstring injury, which sidelined him for a lengthy stretch before he returned to contribute at a high level.
Buxton’s omission from the All-Star rosters this year does not reflect a lack of merit. The 32-year-old veteran was in the midst of another elite season before his latest setback. In 75 games this season, Buxton is hitting .271 with a .328 on-base percentage and a .904 OPS, while totaling 25 home runs and 45 RBIs. Since reaching his 30s, Buxton appeared to have turned a corner health-wise, demonstrating durability and peak performance—until this latest hip strain.
Beyond his power, Buxton has showcased well-rounded impact. Earlier this season, he was briefly tied with Yordan Álvarez of the Houston Astros for the American League home run lead, underscoring his ability to provide home-run power and run production. Defensively, Buxton continued to be one of the premier center fielders in the game, contributing scientifically measured value with his glove and range. In Statcast’s Baseball Savant, Buxton’s fielding run value this year stood at 2, reflecting his positive impact in center field.
Buxton’s absence is a notable blow to the Twins, but the organization remains optimistic about his availability for the stretch run. Both Buxton and the club have indicated that he will not be moved at the trade deadline, signaling a commitment to building around him as a cornerstone of the franchise. According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Twins intend to keep Buxton in the mix as they pursue a strong second half and postseason push. His absence at the All-Star Game does not change the club’s long-term plans or the role he plays in Minnesota’s ongoing rebuild and competitive window.
As for Buxton’s immediate future, the timeline remains uncertain. It is unclear whether he will travel to Philadelphia to participate in the All-Star break activities at Citizens Bank Park or remain at home focusing on rehabilitation and recovery. The club has not issued an official return date, and Buxton has yet to resume baseball activities as he concentrates on healing his hip. The Twins will monitor his progress with the aim of reintroducing him to baseball activities as soon as he is cleared, hoping to avoid any further setbacks. In the meantime, the organization will rely on its depth and the performances of other players to sustain momentum through the break and into the second half.
This season has been a reminder of Buxton’s high watermark potential when healthy. His combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess makes him a rare asset in the lineup. While the All-Star nomination highlighted his elite status and popularity, the hip issue has sidestepped a moment of personal achievement. The Twins’ decision to place him on the injured list reflects a cautious, player-first approach designed to protect his long-term health and ensure he can contribute down the stretch and into the postseason.
For now, Twins fans will have to wait for Buxton’s return and hope for a smooth, effective rehabilitation that can restore his standout play. The club remains committed to maximizing his impact and keeping him in the lineup as they chase a successful second half, confident that Buxton will be a central piece of the puzzle once he’s back at full strength. As the team navigates this period without him, the focus will be on maintaining competitiveness and building toward a late-season push with Buxton’s eventual return in sight.