The ongoing saga of Byron Buxton’s health took another turn Monday night at Target Field during the Minnesota Twins’ 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Buxton left the game in the fifth inning under unclear circumstances. After striking out, he didn’t return to the field, with Manuel Margot taking over in centerfield. The abrupt exit left fans concerned, especially given Buxton’s history of injuries.
Buxton’s Early Exit Sparks Worry
This isn’t the first time Buxton has had to leave a game early, but his previous injuries this season haven’t resulted in extended absences. Still, given his injury-prone past and the current state of the Twins’ injured list, seeing Buxton depart Monday’s game early added an unwelcome layer of anxiety to what was otherwise a solid win.
Twins Provide Update on Buxton’s Injury
Shortly after Buxton’s exit, the Twins announced that he was experiencing right hip discomfort. The vague nature of the update left fans with more questions than answers, a familiar feeling for those following the Twins this season. The team has often downplayed injuries only for them to escalate, leading to prolonged stints on the injured list.
Buxton has largely avoided significant injuries this season, which is notable given his history. However, the Twins have been plagued by injuries across the roster. Joe Ryan, Brooks Lee, and Carlos Correa are all on the IL, while Brock Stewart is out for the season. Justin Topa also suffered a setback, and Jose Miranda has struggled to regain his form since returning from a pre-All-Star Break injury.
Even Buxton has had his share of close calls. Just recently, he left a game after crashing into the outfield wall, leaving his availability for the series against Cleveland in question.
Twins’ Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
Despite the injuries, Minnesota remains just 3.5 games out of first place in the AL Central. However, losing Buxton for any extended period could be a significant blow to their playoff aspirations. The team can ill afford to see another key player sidelined, and fans are hoping this latest injury scare doesn’t lead to a prolonged absence for Buxton.
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