Before the Minnesota Twins take on the Washington Nationals in Minneapolis on Sunday, their hopes for a series win hang on an important update involving All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton. The 31-year-old Buxton is set to undergo medical testing for soreness on his left side, an injury that forced him to exit Saturday’s game early. This Byron Buxton injury update is crucial as the Twins prepare for the deciding game in their three-game series following a disappointing 9-3 loss.
Details on Buxton’s Condition and Team’s Response
Buxton left Saturday’s game after experiencing pain while running, marking the second day the Twins have been without their top performer at full strength. Though he recorded no hits in three at-bats before departing, the team hopes the injury will not be severe, despite Buxton’s history of recurring ailments. Currently, Buxton has contributed a solid .282 batting average with 23 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases through 85 games this season.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli provided some insight into Buxton’s condition, expressing cautious optimism about his player’s outlook.
“He was actually, what I would say, is relatively upbeat,”
Baldelli said.
“I talked to him during the game, I popped upstairs to check on him.”
He further elaborated on the team’s plan to evaluate Buxton before deciding the lineup.
“We’re just going to get him imaged (Sunday) morning just to see what we’re dealing with. He felt it more running than anything else. When you have some soreness in your side and you don’t feel it as much swinging and you don’t feel it as much — on the offensive end, you feel it running — that’s kind of a unique thing. I’m not going to speculate any more than that. We’re going to get him looked at (Sunday).”
Twins’ Desire for a Series Win and Performance Context
After suffering losses in both the first two games post-All-Star break, the Twins are eager to reclaim momentum. Baldelli described the highs and lows of the recent games and the opportunity that Sunday’s finale offers for a fresh start.
“Not the game we intended to play,”
Baldelli admitted.
“(Friday’s) game was a brilliant game, and then we came in (Saturday) and played like this. I’d like to win the series (on Sunday) and get back to playing complete baseball.”
With Buxton’s status uncertain, Minnesota’s lineup may be missing a key component in their push to secure the series win. The team has yet to announce a starting pitcher for the game and is leaning toward a bullpen game strategy, aiming to spread innings across multiple arms rather than rely on a single starter.
Nationals’ Jake Irvin to Pitch in Hometown
The Nationals will send right-hander Jake Irvin to the mound, a native of the nearby Bloomington, Minnesota area, adding an emotional element to Sunday’s game. Irvin, who pitched at Jefferson High School and later for the Oklahoma Sooners, faces the Twins for the second time in his career but will make his debut pitching in Minnesota. His previous outing against the Twins was a no-decision in a close 3-2 Nationals defeat on May 22.
Reflecting on the significance of playing at home against his childhood favorite team, Irvin shared,
“The people around me that I grew up playing with, I get to see a lot of my buddies from high school. I get to be around my parents and my family, just everybody who supported me along the way. It’s all come full circle, and (it’s) super, super special.”
—Jake Irvin, Nationals Pitcher
He also expressed the importance of the moment, stating,
It means everything. It’s important to put it all in perspective. This is what got me here: Growing up a Twins fan, falling in love with the Twins and just how much they meant to me in developing my passion for baseball.
Potential Role for Rookie Travis Adams Amid Uncertainties
One pitcher who is expected to see substantial innings in the bullpen game is rookie right-hander Travis Adams. Adams holds a 1-0 record with a 6.00 ERA across three relief appearances this season, having surrendered 12 hits, walked one, and struck out six over nine innings. Although he has never faced the Nationals, Adams could play a pivotal role in the Twins’ effort to close out the series.
Outlook for the Twins Moving Forward
The outcome of Sunday’s game will not only determine the series victor but also set the tone for the remainder of the Twins’ campaign after a difficult start following the All-Star break. With Byron Buxton’s status still unknown, Minnesota must prepare to compete without one of their best players. At the same time, the emotionally charged pitching matchup featuring native Jake Irvin adds additional intrigue to the final contest.
If Buxton is unable to play, the Twins will need contributions from other players and an effective bullpen performance to secure a much-needed series victory. Successful management of Buxton’s injury and the game’s pitching decisions could prove critical as the team aims to regain momentum and return to a winning trajectory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Byron Buxton healthy?
A. Byron Buxton has remained in good health for much of the first half of the season. He’s now recognized as one of the game’s top players.
Q. How fast is Byron Buxton?
A. His fastball has been measured at a speed of 99 miles per hour.