Byron Buxton’s return to the Twins lineup didn’t last long.
Minnesota’s center fielder, fresh off being named an All-Star starter, exited Tuesday night’s game against the Royals after just two plate appearances because of right hip soreness. Buxton had already spent time on the injured list earlier this season with a right hip strain, and the issue forced him to miss the Midsummer Classic.
The Twins had him in the starting lineup in center field and batting second as they entered the night one game under .500 at 53-54, hoping to get back to even. Instead, Buxton was pulled after two trips to the plate.
Buxton aggravated the hip before the All-Star break while sliding on a stolen-base attempt. There wasn’t a similar play Tuesday, but the soreness was enough to stop him from continuing.
Since coming off the injured list, Buxton has struggled to get rolling. He is 4-for-25 with no extra-base hits, six strikeouts and one walk in that stretch. Even so, his season line still sits at .263 with an .864 OPS and 25 home runs.
The bigger question now is whether this is just a precautionary exit or the start of another absence. More should be known Wednesday, but any early departure from Buxton is a red flag for Minnesota.
If the Twins need another outfielder, they’ll have decisions to make. Kyler Fedko is one possible call-up as a depth option.
The more eye-catching move would be promoting Walker Jenkins, who is healthy and producing at Triple-A St. Paul.
Jenkins has played 47 games for St. Paul and is batting .267 with an .803 OPS. The power numbers are still building, but he has 13 doubles and four home runs, along with 30 strikeouts and 27 walks.
Matt Wallner is also hitting well at Triple-A, but he doesn’t play center field and still has the same problems against high velocity. He also appears likely to be dealt at the trade deadline.
Emmanuel Rodriguez started a rehab assignment with Low-A Fort Myers on Tuesday, but after thumb surgery and so much missed time, he doesn’t look like an immediate answer if Minnesota needs to replace Buxton.
In Other News...
Twins Farm System Suddenly Feels In Flux Again
A busy stretch of roster churn hit the Twins minor league side again this week, with the St. Paul Saints making multiple moves and the organization continuing to shuffle pieces as the season rolls on. The Saints transferred right-hander Raul Brito to the Development List, while the Twins also moved on from outfielder Maddux Houghton and right-hander Nick Trabacchi, adding another layer of turnover to a system that has felt especially fluid lately.
There was at least one encouraging note elsewhere in the chain, as Cedar Rapids activated left-hander Ross Dunn from the 60-Day Injured List. But with the Saints, Wind Surge, Kernels, Mighty and FCL Twins all carrying their own recent results and upcoming matchups, the bigger picture is still one of a farm system in motion, with more sorting-out likely before the picture settles. [Read more 🡒]
Twins May Be Closing In On A Deadline Pitching Decision
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With Pablo Lopez, Anthony Banda, Mick Abel and Mike Paredes already among the injured, the club is weighing whether its current depth can survive the stretch run or whether it needs another dependable arm to stabilize the staff. Joe Ryan is expected back Tuesday, but the broader picture is still uncertain enough that the Twins may be forced to look for pitching help before the deadline closes. [Read more 🡒]
Twins Bullpen Just Took A Turn Fans Wont Want To Ignore
Cole Sands latest turn in the Twins bullpen came at an inopportune time, and the club responded by shuffling the relief mix again. After a rough outing in which he got one out and allowed five runs, Sands is back on the injured list, opening the door for Jack Anderson to return from Triple-A St. Paul and take his place on the roster.
Anderson has already given Minnesota a brief look after coming over on waivers from the Boston Red Sox earlier this month, and the Twins will need more stability from that spot as the season moves on. There is also some encouraging news on the position-player side, where prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez has started a rehab assignment following thumb surgery and could still factor into the major league mix later this year. [Read more 🡒]