Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton left Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros due to an injury, prompting concern among fans about his status. The team later confirmed that Buxton suffered a left elbow contusion after being hit by a 94.7 MPH sinker thrown by Astros pitcher Hunter Brown, raising questions about his availability moving forward in the season.
Byron Buxton’s Career Hampered by Injuries Despite Talent
Since making his MLB debut in 2015, Byron Buxton has showcased remarkable speed, defensive skills, and power, making him one of the most dynamic players in the league. His right-handed hitting has produced a career .784 OPS with 144 home runs over 826 games, all with the Minnesota Twins. However, Buxton’s career has been frequently interrupted by injuries, limiting his playing time to over 100 games in a season just twice and curtailing his potential impact.
Incident Details from Saturday’s Game Against Houston
During the matchup versus the Astros, Buxton was struck on the left side of his body by a fast-moving pitch from Hunter Brown but continued to steal second base shortly after. Despite this, he exited the game in the seventh inning and was replaced in center field by Harrison Bader. This sequence of events led to immediate concern from fans and analysts alike.
Twins Confirm Buxton’s Injury and Its Implications
The Twins officially reported that Buxton incurred a left elbow contusion, according to Betsy Helfand of the Pioneer Press. His injury comes at a critical time as Minnesota remains competitive in the American League Wild Card race, with the Detroit Tigers dominating the AL Central but the Wild Card slot still undecided. Buxton’s continued presence has been vital for the Twins’ performance this season.
Unlike fellow teammate Royce Lewis, who has faced persistent injury issues, Buxton and shortstop Carlos Correa have largely stayed healthy this year and contributed significantly. Any prolonged absence of Buxton would create a significant void in Minnesota’s lineup and defensive alignment.