Byron Buxton on His Way Back to Minnesota Twins Lineup Once Again

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Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The reports have been slipping out for a week or two, now. Unlike Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton was nearing the start of a triple-a rehab assignment, and an imminent return the the Minnesota Twins lineup.

On Monday, though, it became official. Buxton is in the St. Paul Saints lineup tonight, batting 2nd and playing center field. In all likelihood, that means he will be back on the big league active roster by the weekend, possibly sooner.

Byron Buxton has been in the lineup for 90 games this season, which has him dangerously close to playing more games than just about any other year in his MLB career. Not only has he been more available, but he’s also been productive.

Minnesota Twins need Byron Buxton back in the lineup

In 335 plate appearances in 2024, Buck has banged 16 homers and driven in 49 RBI, both good for top-four on the roster. His .275 batting average is third on the Twins, his .862 OPS and 138 OPS+ are both good for 2nd.

Oh, and he’s one of the best outfielders in baseball. According to Baseball Reference WAR, only Carlos Correa (3.4) has been more valuable for the Minnesota Twins this summer, than Byron Buxton (3.3 WAR).

Related: Why Aren’t the Minnesota Twins Calling Up Louie Varland?

With a margin that small, Buxton (the 2012 No. 2 overall pick) could easily take the Twins WAR crown from Correa (the 2012 No. 1 overall pick) this weekend, if he has a productive return to the lineup.

Now, can the oft-injured Byron Buxton stay in the lineup through whatever playoff run is on the horizon? We’ll find out soon enough.

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