In Arlington, Texas, Byron Buxton, the center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, has been moved to the 10-day injured list following concerns about inflammation in his right hip. Manager Rocco Baldelli mentioned that Buxton received an injection and was recovering adequately, although he would need more time before returning to play. The IL placement was retroactive to Tuesday, meaning Buxton could potentially come back on August 23rd.
The Twins are calling up infielder Edouard Julien from Triple-A St. Paul to fill Buxton’s spot on the roster. Buxton, aged 30, has been performing well this season with a batting average of .275, 16 home runs, and 49 RBIs in 90 games. He had recently encountered issues during a game against Kansas City where he was substituted in the fifth inning due to hip discomfort.
Minnesota, with a record of 67-53, is in the race for a playoff spot as they hold the American League’s second wild card position, trailing Cleveland by 4 1/2 games in the AL Central division. Buxton’s history includes missed games due to back stiffness, knee inflammation, and a strained hip that ended his 2022 season prematurely.
Baldelli mentioned that the decision to place Buxton on the IL was made to ensure his well-being and allow him to recover fully before returning to play. The team is hopeful that Buxton’s absence will not extend beyond the minimum 10-day stay on the injured list. As of now, they are monitoring his progress closely to determine the next steps.