Byron Buxton Injury Update is Not Great News

The Minnesota Twins got exciting rookie Luke Keaschall back in action on Tuesday night in Detroit. Teammate Byron Buxton is on the road trip as his veteran presence is intended to be there for a clubhouse in shambles.

While Buxton can continue to be a leader off the field, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be doing it from on the field for a bit yet. Eligible to come off the injured list on Wednesday, Buxton is still dealing with complications from his rib cartilage irritation.

Minnesota Twins still without Byron Buxton

Byron Buxton left the game on July 26 against the Washington Nationals after making a catch up against the wall. An MRI revealed a rib cartilage issue. Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune says he won’t be back when first eligible.

“Center fielder Byron Buxton will not rejoin the Twins lineup during this road trip, Baldelli confirmed, as he continues to recover from inflammation in his left ribcage. Buxton sustained the injury when he collided against the center-field wall for a catch July 26, and he had trouble breathing afterward.”

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

Byron Buxton started hitting Tuesday. Hit today. He's upbeat. His baseball activity is picking up. If he keeps trending this way, he thought he'd be ready in a couple of days. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) August 6, 2025

The Athletic’s Dan Hayes added additional context, and it provides a bit of additional clarity. Minnesota’s All-Star centerfielder will have went on the six-game road trip without appearing in a game.

The Twins return home following Wednesday’s matinee with the Detroit Tigers, and they have an off day on Thursday. This puts Buxton on track to return Friday at home against the Kansas City Royals. It will be Minnesota’s first game at Target Field since their incredible deadline selloff.

While Buxton is still worthy of showing up, it remains to be seen how many fans will. The Minnesota Twins have not drastically reduced ticket prices, and attendance has been down all season.

THE HOME RUN THAT COMPLETED BYRON BUXTON'S CYCLE!!!! pic.twitter.com/bhFUoSYDaT

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 12, 2025

Buxton is attempting to finish within the top 10 for MVP voting as he has million dollar contract incentives if he should do it. His 3.9 fWAR currently sits sixth among hitters in the American League.

Related: Byron Buxton is the Leader Carlos Correa Couldn’t Be

Through 85 games he owns a .282/.343/.561 slash line. If he surpasses the century mark, this season would be the first time in his career he has played 100 or more games in consecutive seasons. He is also just five home runs (23) shy of tying his career-best mark (28) set in 2022.