Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton revealed an update on Byron Buxton's injury.
Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton is having an MVP-caliber season once again. After a slow start, he has been one of the best players in the American League since May.
Across 73 games, he has posted a .268 batting average, .325 on-base percentage and .898 OPS. He is tied with Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez for the AL lead with 25 home runs, has driven in 43 runs and remains a base-stealing threat with seven steals and zero times caught.
He has also continued to play excellent defense in center field. Buxton is a former Gold and Platinum Glove winner. He is also on track to earn his third career All-Star selection this year, currently in the second phase of All-Star Game voting. Even if he is not selected as a starter, he almost certainly will be chosen as a reserve.
For the most part, he has been largely available this season as well. Unfortunately, that availability is now in jeopardy. After missing Monday's series opener against the Houston Astros, manager Derek Shelton revealed after the game that Buxton is dealing with a setback.
"MRI showed Byron Buxton has right hip impingement. Derek Shelton said he is day to day," reported Dan Hayes of The Athletic.
This is not the first time his right hip has bothered him this season. He previously missed some time dealing with the same issue and was forced to serve as the designated hitter only for about a week before returning to center field. Apparently the issue has not fully resolved, and as a result the Twins are being cautious.
Buxton was held out of the lineup once again for Tuesday's game against Houston. If the issue persists, the Twins have a couple of days to decide whether he will need a stint on the 10-day injured list.
Fortunately, the injury does not appear to be serious or require surgery, but it is still a disappointing development for a player who has carried this team on his back all season.
Buxton has been the best player on the Twins and has practically carried them to a 41-45 record. Without him, they could fall further below .500. With him, they are actually in contention for a postseason spot in a weak American League.
Shelton may provide another update on Buxton's status after Tuesday's game, and the Twins will be hoping the day-to-day designation holds true and this does not turn into something more serious heading into the All-Star break.
