Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton was placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday because of inflammation in his left ribcage, the team confirmed. The move is retroactive to July 27, which allows the possibility of Buxton returning within a week if his recovery progresses well. This marks the second time this season Buxton has landed on the injured list.
Buxton’s Season Interrupted Amid Career-Best Performance
Buxton had previously missed about two weeks in May after being sidelined with a concussion. This season, however, he has been relatively healthy compared to his injury-prone past, playing in 85 of the Twins’ 106 games. He is having one of the best years of his career, batting .282 with 23 home runs, 59 runs batted in, and a perfect 17-for-17 in stolen base attempts. He also boasts an impressive .905 OPS while maintaining his strong defensive reputation in center field. Earlier this month, he earned a spot in the All-Star Game for the second time in his career.
Rib Injury Forces Buxton Out, Raising Concerns for Twins’ Playoff Chances
The rib injury forced Buxton to exit Saturday’s game early, and he has since missed the following two contests. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has not yet provided a detailed update, but the team is hopeful that Buxton’s absence will be brief. With the Twins currently holding a 51-55 record and sitting five games behind a wild card spot, the loss of their top center fielder complicates the team’s already challenging path to the postseason.
Team’s Playoff Outlook Clouded as Trade Activity Increases
The Twins have begun transitioning toward a seller’s mindset at the trade deadline. Just Monday, Minnesota traded pitcher Chris Paddack, signaling a shift away from competing immediately. Additional deals are anticipated before Thursday’s deadline, further diminishing the club’s roster strength. The combination of roster changes and Buxton’s injury makes it increasingly difficult for the Twins to mount a serious playoff push this season, especially as they hold the fourth-worst record in the American League.
Ryan Jeffers Returns, Pierson Ohl Set for MLB Debut
Amid these roster adjustments, catcher Ryan Jeffers was activated from the paternity list on Tuesday, though he is not in the starting lineup for the Twins’ second game against the Boston Red Sox. The starting lineup features Trevor Larnach as designated hitter, Carlos Correa at shortstop, and Willi Castro in left field, among others. Additionally, rookie pitcher Pierson Ohl is scheduled to make his Major League Baseball debut on the mound during this game.