MN Twins All-Star Leaves Game After Being Hit by Pitch

The Minnesota Twins got some great news just as their game against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night was getting started, when starter Joe Ryan was added to the American League All-Star roster for the first time in his career, as a replacement for Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown.

Ryan joined center fielder Byron Buxton, who was named to his second career All-Star team earlier in the week. Not only is Buck scheduled to participate in the 2025 Mid-Summer Classic in his home state of Georgia, but he is also set to represent the MN Twins in his ever Home Run Derby appearance.

Byron Buxton leaves Minnesota Twins game with hand injury

Unfortunately, there is now concern across Twins Territory over whether or not the 31-year-old All-Star will be healthy enough to compete at all in next week’s All-Star festivities. This, after Chicago Cubs starter Cade Horton hit him in the hand with his third pitch of the game Wednesday evening.

Byron Buxton is awarded first base after a Twins' challenge reveals that he was hit by pitch from Cade Horton in the bottom of the 1st inning pic.twitter.com/362AyUOK8A

— Cubs Highlights (@Cubs_Highlights) July 10, 2025

Byron Buxton initially stayed in the game — and even swiped his 17th base of the season, making him a perfect 17-for-17 — before coming around to score.

Before Byron was able to hit for himself in the bottom of the 2nd, however, he was replaced in the lineup with Brooks Lee, who went 0-3 in Buck’s place. Lee was placed defensively at 2nd base. Harrison Bader moved to center and Willi Castro to left.

How concerning is Buxton’s latest injury?

Thankfully, Byron Buxton wears protection on his left hand, but even then, that’s a fragile part of the body to take a pitch off of. A mid-game MRI has already ruled out a break, lending the Twins to list Buxton as “day-to-day” with a hand contusion.

Byron Buxton's X-rays were negative for fracture. He's considered day to day. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 10, 2025

Related: Minnesota Twins Land Another 2025 MLB All-Star Nod

How much pain, and what the swelling looks like tomorrow will determine a lot toward when Byron Buxton is ready to take his place in center field. The Minnesota Twins will go for a three-game sweep against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, before hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend.

It would be a blast to see Buxton and Joe Ryan square off on Friday against Paul Skenes. The 45-47 Twins must now stack wins if they are going to avoid being sellers at the deadline. After tonight’s victory, Minnesota has come out on top in four of their last five games and five of their last seven.

That said, Buxton probably has his eyes on the All-Star Break and would love to compete in the game he was chosen for, as well as the Home Run Derby he opted into. This will be a situation to monitor over the weekend.