Minnesota Twins Reveal New Byron Buxton Injury

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

The depth of the Minnesota Twins roster has been tested early all season, starting with the season-ending UCL injury Pablo Lopez suffered during the team’s first Spring Training practice of the year.

It’s been the starting rotation hit the hardest my this year’s injury bug. Most recently, however, all eyes have been on Byron Buxton’s nagging hip injury, which cost him a handful of games but did not land him on injured reserve.

Thankfully, Buck returned to the MN Twins lineup last week, but only as a designated hitter. While the 32-year-old is itching to get back out to center field, he’s waiting patiently until manager Derek Shelton is comfortable putting his body at greater risk.

New Byron Buxton shoulder injury comes out of nowhere

And now, we are learning that Byron Buxton is dealing with more than just a hip injury (sore hip flexor). According to new information being disclosed by beat reporters like Dan Hayes (The Athletic) Thursday morning, Minnesota’s superstar is also dealing with a sore shoulder.

Nursing a sore but improving right hip flexor muscle, and apparently a bum right shoulder, too, Buxton was again limited to designated hitting duties Wednesday. In an attempt to help Buxton navigate the soreness and avoid a setback, the Twins largely have largely used him as their DH since he returned to the lineup more than a week ago.

While Buxton’s hip is progressing nicely enough, Shelton identified the outfielder’s throwing shoulder as a bigger reason he’s been limited to DH.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

Buxton has looked spry on the bases since returning to action on May 19. Still, he’s been limited to just a single game in center field. The MN Twins want him to be in a place where he can not only accelerate, but dial it back as well, before they give him full clearance.

With that being said, there are now questions over whether or not this new shoulder malady may pose a larger problem long-term than Buck’s bad hip. Apparently, Byron’s shoulder injury dates back to May 23, when he slid into second base during a stolen base attempt.

His only start in center field came in Saturday’s win at Boston, a game in which Buxton apparently dinged his shoulder sliding into second base on a pitch that was fouled off. After Wednesday’s loss, Buxton was seen wearing an ice pack on his throwing shoulder in the visiting clubhouse.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

With Trevor Larnach at the plate, and his sliding mitt not yet on, Buxton took off. Unfortunately the pitch was fouled off, and his right shoulder jammed into the ground. Seeing it live, it looked awkward, and Buxton clearly took time gathering himself. He did stay in the game, and finish all nine innings.

Minnesota Twins continue to shuffle outfielders

With Buxton slotting in as the designated hitter, Derek Shelton has needed to use other players in center field. James Outman has been the primary choice, but his .167 average and .509 OPS aren’t workable even if he was playing stellar defense.

On Wednesday, Kody Clemens made his first professional start in center field. With nearly 6,000 innings of baseball under his belt professionally, he had stood in center field for just one of them.

A right-handed hitting outfielder, with the ability to start in center, has been something the Twins have needed to prioritize for years. They are patching it together with Outman right now, but there’s a really great opportunity for a Kyler Fedko debut over the weekend.

It remains to be seen how long Byron Buxton is out of action defensively. He’s ready to go, but hip and shoulder issues will have the Minnesota Twins playing the long game with their superstar.

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