Two Minnesota Twins Make All-Star Roster

Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Minnesota Twins knocked off the New York Yankees while decked out in the stars and stripes on Saturday. The 11-4 victory included the return of Byron Buxton to the starting lineup.

Next week they’ll return home to face the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Angels before breaking for the All-Star festivities. It has been expected for some time that the superstar outfielder would make the team, but he won’t be going alone.

Buxton is going to start for the American League squad, and his manager Derek Shelton will be in the dugout as well. Citizens Bank Park is home for the action and Minnesota will be well-represented.

Minnesota Twins send Buxton and Ryan to All-Star Game

Last season it was Byron Buxton who earned the early nod for All-Star honors. Joe Ryan was snubbed but ultimately made it in. This time around the Minnesota Twins have both going from the get go.

There’s no shock in Buxton making the All-Star team. He’s been among the best players in baseball this season, and has already launched 25 home runs in 74 games this season. If he can stay healthy and continue the pace, he’ll challenge Bobby Witt Jr. for American League MVP honors.

Joe Ryan has two games left to start prior to the All-Star break with the first of them coming Sunday in New York against the Yankees. He currently has a 3.61 ERA (2.96 FIP), and the production has been better than it was for his All-Star debut a season ago.

While both will go back for the second straight year, Buxton made it known that he won’t be participating in the Home Run Derby this time around.

Former MN Twins on roster too

When you trade a significant amount of the key pieces from a roster, it should be expected that they’ll perform elsewhere. The Minnesota Twins went wild at the trade deadline last year, and now some of them will be All-Star Game participants in new uniforms.

Jhoan Duran has long been one of the best relievers in baseball, but he had yet to be given his flowers. He’ll represent the hometown Phillies this year with a career-low 1.52 ERA and league-leading 21 saves.

Louie Varland has been one of the greatest success stories in baseball the past few years, and the Concordia St. Paul alum is now one of the best in the sport. His 0.96 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays has tracked with Mason Miller all season, and the 28-year-old is now a first-time All-Star as well.

Luis Arraez, who is a legitimate Gold Glove candidate at second base after a resurgence with the Giants, is on the National League squad. The game is scheduled for Tuesday July 14 in Philadelphia.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: