​MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins placed Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list after the center fielder aggravated a lingering hip issue that has plagued him for much of the season. Despite earning a spot as an American League starter for the All-Star Game, Buxton will be sidelined through the All-Star break as he works through the latest setback.
The 32-year-old Buxton, who has long battled injuries throughout his career, is headed to the IL for the first time this season. He initially dealt with a right hip impingement in May, missing five games, and later sat out four more after tweaking the same area. He did return to the lineup against the New York Yankees, but departed following an awkward slide while attempting to steal second base.
“We dealt with the hip earlier in the year, gave it some time and it calmed down, and then gave it some time again, and it reaggravated,” Twins manager Derek Shelton explained. “I just think with where we’re at in the schedule, how he’s feeling, knowing that he was going to be down a few days, it was probably the best-case scenario for everybody.”
Buxton has been productive when healthy, posting a .271 batting average with a team-leading .904 OPS over 75 games this season. His 25 home runs are tied for third-most in the American League, underscoring his power and run-producing potential when he’s on the field. Buxton’s performance this season has continued to reflect his high-impact talent, even as injuries have limited his availability.
Buxton’s absence creates a notable vacancy in the Twins’ lineup, especially given his ability to impact the game with speed, defense, and power. The organization will rely on its depth to cover center field and fill the leadership void Buxton often provides on the field and in the clubhouse.
The Twins have recalled outfielder Alan Roden from Triple-A St. Paul to fill Buxton’s roster spot. Roden will bring additional depth to the outfield and could see opportunities to contribute in the coming weeks as Minnesota navigates the rest of the schedule without its star center fielder.
As Buxton heads to the injured list, the Twins’ medical staff and coaching staff will monitor his progress closely, aiming to balance aggressive rehab with the team’s competitive timetable. The hope is that Buxton can return after the All-Star break with minimal residual effects from the hip issue, allowing him to resume his full-strength role in the lineup and help Minnesota in its push toward a postseason berth.