Byron Buxton’s MRI Results are in, Twins Now Await Next Steps

The Minnesota Twins have gotten used to Byron Buxton being not being on the field. This season, though, he has stayed remarkably healthy. So, when Buck took himself out of the game — following a fifth inning strikeout against the Kansas City Royals, on Monday — due to hip pain… it was concerning.

MRI shows no negatives for Minnesota Twins Byron Buxton

Then, Buxton was out of the Minnesota Twins’ lineup on Tuesday. Facing Cy Young candidate, Seth Lugo, Rocco Baldelli went with Manuel Margot in centerfield. Left-handed starter Cole Ragans goes for the Royals on Wednesday. Byron won’t be in the lineup, but he did get some good news via MRI on Tuesday night.

Byron Buxton is out of the #MNTwins lineup after leaving Monday's game with hip discomfort.

Rocco Baldelli: "Buck got an MRI today. He's going to sit with the doctors and talk through it. He's day-to-day right now. We’re going to see how he is later (today), how he is tomorrow."

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) August 13, 2024

It remains to be seen what day-to-day looks like for Buxton. Aren’t we all day-to-day, really…?

Related: Minnesota Twins Appear Concerned About Byron Buxton’s Latest Injury

Hip discomfort isn’t new for Buxton though, and that makes this injury all the more worrisome. In both 2021 and 2022, the Minnesota Twins center fielder missed considerable time due to hip injuries. Obviously, Buck’s knee issues have also been well documented. Hip discomfort is often a byproduct of chronic knee problems.

Minnesota Twins need Byron Buxton

The Minnesota Twins need Byron Buxton on the field, come playoff time. He hasn’t just limped through. Buxton has routinely patrolled centerfield, and his 3.2 fWAR is behind only Carlos Correa. Buxton has played 90 games this season, just two behind the second-highest tally of his career.

Byron Buxton – Minnesota Twins (16)
pic.twitter.com/hMttFxpfhJ

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) August 11, 2024

Minnesota is already without Correa in the lineup, and they have lost key starters like Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack. As the Twins attempt to chase down the Cleveland Guardians, they need the lineup to carry the pitching.

Related: Twins, Carlos Correa Clearly Learned a Valuable Lesson Last Season

Buxton has been a catalyst for that production, and has been hot of late as well. The Twins head to Texas over the weekend, and if Buxton isn’t going to be in the lineup, a trip to the injured list will follow. Rocco Baldelli confirmed that possibility on Wednesday.

Rocco Baldelli didn't rule out a potential IL stint for Byron Buxton, who left Monday's game with right hip discomfort: "There was some good news on the MRI actually. Symptomatically, though, I'd say he could feel better."

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) August 14, 2024