Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins center fielder, has faced a challenging path marked by ongoing Byron Buxton injury struggles since his major league debut in 2014. While his talent has repeatedly impressed fans and analysts alike, persistent injuries continue to limit his ability to maintain consistent playing time and fulfill his immense potential in the sport.

An Overview of Buxton’s Promising Yet Interrupted Career

Selected as the second overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, Buxton quickly emerged as a standout prospect with high expectations. Despite showcasing remarkable athleticism and skill, he has struggled to stay healthy over the last nine seasons. In that span, Buxton has only surpassed 92 games played twice, with his most active year being 2017 when he appeared in 140 games. The Twins, playing a demanding 162-game season, have frequently contended with the absence of their star outfielder, complicating their efforts to build momentum and consistency.

A Detailed Timeline of Buxton’s Frequent Injuries

Buxton’s issues with injuries started soon after he entered the major leagues. In March 2014, during his first spring training, he suffered a left wrist sprain while diving for a ball, which led to a season-opening stint on the injured list. After returning in May, he re-injured the wrist following just five games, forcing him out for nearly two months.

Making his major league debut in June 2015, Buxton unfortunately sustained a thumb sprain after only ten games, which sent him back down to Triple-A for the remainder of that year. The 2016 season was less injury-plagued, but Buxton spent significant time in the minors trying to secure a steady role. In 2017, he showed improvement but fell victim to a left groin strain in July, though he was able to return soon after.

Injuries persisted beyond that season. In April 2018, Buxton was sidelined with migraines and placed on the 10-day injured list, followed by a fractured toe in May that ended his season prematurely. Despite the frustration, Buxton reaffirmed his commitment to the Twins, stating,

I want to be here. This is where I started my career, [and] this is where I want to finish my career.

—Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins center fielder

Mid-2019 featured additional setbacks, including a wrist contusion and symptoms resembling a concussion in June and July, leading to further time on the injured list. His troubles escalated in August with a left shoulder subluxation that put him out for the rest of the season.

The shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic saw Buxton dealing with left shoulder inflammation in August. The following year, an early right hip strain in May was soon followed by a fractured left hand shortly after his return, resulting in another extended sidelining.

Buxton’s 2022 campaign was derailed by a low-grade right hip strain and subsequent arthroscopic knee surgery, ending his season early once again. In 2023, persistent injuries continued with a left rib contusion in June and a right hamstring strain in August, which cut his playing time short despite being activated for the postseason.

Recent Setbacks and What They Mean for Buxton’s Future

As of May 2024, Buxton encountered further obstacles with right knee inflammation followed by right hip inflammation in August, adding to his long history of injuries that cloud his promising career. These recurring physical challenges have overshadowed his abilities and raised concerns about his durability moving forward.

Buxton’s struggles underline the rigorous physical toll that professional baseball exacts on its athletes. Although the label of “injury prone” is often viewed negatively, it currently encapsulates the reality faced by Buxton throughout his career. Nevertheless, his perseverance and determination to continue contributing at a high level illustrate his strong character and elite dedication, giving hope that his resilience will eventually lead to a sustained period of health and performance excellence.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What happened to Byron Buxton?

A. Buxton leaves the game due to a bruise on his left hand, and X-rays show no broken bones.

MINNEAPOLIS — On Thursday morning, there was good news about Byron Buxton after he left Wednesday’s 4-2 win against the Cubs with a hand injury.

Q. What is Byron Buxton’s top speed?

A. Buxton also pitched a fastball clocked at 99 miles per hour, which is equivalent to 159 kilometers per hour.