On Thursday for their day game in a series finale against the Chicago Cubs (in which they lost 8-1) Byron Buxton was not in the lineup. Fortunately it sounds like any serious cause for concern can be quelled.

Minnesota Twins Byron Buxton still on track for All-Star festivities

Maybe the MN Twins would have knocked off the Cubs on Thursday had Byron Buxton been in the leadoff spot. The ache in his hand after being plunked by Cade Horton was worth exercising caution over though. It does sound like the Twins All-Star centerfielder is still good to go for both the game and Home Run Derby in Atlanta next week.

Good news Byron Buxton injury update via @Alden_Gonzalez:

"Little bit of a scary moment, he took a fastball to the hand the other day and it looked like maybe that might hinder him but X-rays came back negative. I'm told he's going to be fine, barring an unforeseen setback, he's… pic.twitter.com/BcelvKYJdH

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 11, 2025

“Well a little bit of a scary moment. He took a fastball to the hand the other day and it looked like maybe the might hinder him but X-rays came back negative. I’m told that he’s going to be fine, barring an unforeseen setback. He’s going to be ready to go…We are finally seeing fully unlocked Byron Buxton. It’s because he finally had a normal offseason. When the season began we were seeing the premium defense, the elite speed, the power. As the season started to go on the strike zone started to shrink a little bit more. So now we’re seeing the patience at the plate, especially in June, started drawing a lot more walks. This is the Byron Buxton that we had always envisioned. The fact that he’s going to do this close to where he grew up is just a great culmination for him.”

Alden Gonzalez – ESPN

As Gonzalez notes, something like a hit-by-pitch taking away Buxton this season would have been hard to swallow. His 3.3 fWAR leads the Twins. It should have landed him as the starting center fielder for the American League All-Star Game (yes, we’re looking at you Javy Baez).

Buxton’s health has been his bugaboo for the entirety of his career. 75 games in this season he owns a .270/.338/.544 slash line with 20 big flies and a perfect 17-for-17 on stolen base attempts. This type of production is what we have always seen in small bursts. Getting to enjoy it while seeing him smile through a clean bill of health has been nothing short of perfection.

Moments after making a great run-saving catch, Byron Buxton crushed a three-run homer 479 feet.

It's the longest homer of Buxton's career and the second-longest in MLB this season.pic.twitter.com/QDSsl2LzFS

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) June 12, 2025

The All-Star Game, his second, taking place in Atlanta, Georgia will mean more. The Baxley, Georgia native has a chance to impact the Mid-Summer Classic again (after hitting the go-ahead home run in Los Angeles during the 2022 game). This time he’ll get to put on a show during the Home Run Derby as well.

Related: Minnesota Twins All-Star Enters Home Run Derby

Seeing any sort of health-related setback take away this opportunity for him would have been more devastating than just the regular season ramifications for the Minnesota Twins. Buxton didn’t dodge a bullet, or a baseball, but it’s a positive he appears to have come out of the incident relative unscathed.

The Twins are back in action on Friday as they host Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fellow All-Star Joe Ryan is on the bump, and rapper Nelly will take the stage postgame.

Joe Ryan has been a top pitcher across Major League Baseball this season and was overlooked as an inclusion. He has a 2.76 ERA after his start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Unfortunately he wasn’t named as a first time All-Star.

Buxton was always guaranteed to make the squad. Ryan should have been a lock as well but it didn’t work out that way.

Byron Buxton makes second All-Star Game for MN Twins

Byron Buxton leads the Minnesota Twins in fWAR this season and has been remarkably healthy. He deserved to be a starter, but fan-voting failed to recognize that. It’s goofy to think we’ll watch Detroit Tigers Javier Baez in the outfield instead, but at least the Minnesota star is headed home to Atlanta.

This Georgia boy is going home for the 2025 All-Star Game! 🍑

Congratulations to Byron Buxton on being named an All-Star participant! pic.twitter.com/PlFhJSE0mG

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 6, 2025

Byron Buxton made his first All-Star Game appearance during 2022 after playing just 73 games with a .216/.293/.531 slash line. This time around he has a .268/.333/.536 line across 52 games and is on pace to blow by his 2022 numbers.

To suggest that Buxton is worth would be putting it lightly. The Minnesota Twins outfielder has been among the best talents across the entire sport this season, and he’s certainly kept the team afloat. He has also been healthy and there’s no reason to believe he won’t have an impact when competing in his home state.

During the 2022 All-Star Game, Buxton’s last and lone All-Star Game appearance, he went deep. This time around it could be special while competing in Georgia. He has also suggested an interest to compete in the home run derby.

Joe Ryan a MN Twins All-Star Game snub

There is no doubt that Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan should be an All-Star Game participant. After his outing against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday he owns a 2.76 ERA on the season and has proven to be amongst the best starting pitchers in baseball.

Instead of Ryan it appears Bryan Woo from the Seattle Mariners may have been the decision. Neither Shane Smith (White Sox) or Yusei Kikuchi (Angels) had any business being included ahead of him, but both were the lone selections for their teams.

Related: Report: Minnesota Twins Have Offer on the Table

It is still likely that Ryan gets included based on future pitching matchups. It remains to be seen if he would be available for the contest after throwing for Minnesota on Sunday.

The All-Star Game is set to take place on July 15 in Atlanta. Minnesota leaves the break with a three game series against the Colorado Rockies before facing the Los Angeles Dodgers for three games as well.

The All-Star Game is not the only event that will take place during the time off in Atlanta, Georgia during July. The Home Run Derby is also a highlight, and the All-Star Futures Game showcases the talent of tomorrow.

While the Twins may not find themselves heavily represented in the All-Star Game itself, they will put their best foot forward when it comes to the talent of tomorrow.

Kaelen Culpepper headed to Futures game for Minnesota Twins

Walker Jenkins is back for the Wichita Wind Surge, and he has been joined by fellow top prospect Kaelen Culpepper. The 2024 first round pick was promoted in late June and now he’s headed to the All-Star Game as well.

Here’s the AL squad for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/yat2aiCB8r

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 30, 2025

The Futures Game showcases the best talent of tomorrow, and Culpepper certainly fits the bill. The former Kansas State product was left off multiple top 100 prospect lists this spring, but that won’t be the case next year.

Across 54 games at High-A Cedar Rapids Culpepper hit .293/.385/.479. It earned him a promotion to Double-A Wichita and he has gone 9-for-33 in his first eight games. Culpepper already has two home runs for the Wind Surge.

The Minnesota Twins drafted Culpepper as a shortstop. At Double-A he has played seven games at shortstop with the 8th coming at second base. In High-A this season Culpepper played 46 games at shortstop with seven coming at designated hitter and one being at second base.

Kaelen's Back to Crushing It In Kansas!

Kaelen Culpepper yanks his first home run in a Wichita Wind Surge uniform out to the berm in left field.

B7
SPR 0, WCH 3 pic.twitter.com/3ZUm8W3tL3

— Wichita Wind Surge (@WindSurgeICT) June 25, 2025

It seems likely that Culpepper could stick at shortstop for the Minnesota Twins as he ascends the system. He probably isn’t going to hit for immense power, but he has elite contact skills and can certainly find the gap. His speed also translates and he owns a 20/3 SB/CS rate on the farm.

Late first round picks are hardly a given. Minnesota took Culpepper 21st overall and have to be more than satisfied with the early results. An opportunity to showcase his talent on a grand stage is something exciting for Culpepper as well.

Related: Twins Cut Bait With Infielder, Prepare Royce Lewis’ Return

The 2025 All-Star Futures Game is scheduled for July 12th at 3:00 pm. It will be broadcast on MLB.tv and MLB Network.

Anthony Davis says Minnesota Timberwolves are the best team Lakers have seen this season

In this particular interview, Davis was asked of the Lakers opponents this season is the best. His answer, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Probably Minnesota.”

Anthony Davis when he was asked who the best team the Lakers have played all year is. @FanDuel pic.twitter.com/tCfHWzsENa

— 𝙉𝘼𝙅 (@najeeadams_) February 17, 2024

Reporter: “Best team you’ve played this season?”

Davis: “Uhh, probably Minnesota and [Anthony Edwards], they are playing really well, Ant’s just taken his game to another level.”

Anthony Davis

Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves (2 games)

Indeed, the Timberwolves have faced the Lakers twice this season and emerged victorious on both occasions. In their first matchup (Dec 21), the Wolves secured a seven point win at home. Anthony Edwards led the charge with an impressive performance, tallying 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Related: Will Anthony Edwards Really Play All-Star Game Left-Handed After Failed Skills Competition?

Nine days later, the two teams clashed again, with the Timberwolves securing a narrow 108-106 victory. Anthony Edwards stole the spotlight on LeBron’s 39th birthday, delivering an impressive performance with 31 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

This was the game where LeBron hit a 3 pointer that appeared to send the contest into overtime, but officials ruled that his foot was on the line and he proceeded to lose his mind.

The screenshot of LeBron’s foot outside the line serves no purpose because it doesn’t show when the ball left his hands. Here’s a more accurate replay for you to decide. It’s close for sure. pic.twitter.com/tX38xTvQNi

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) December 31, 2023

The Timberwolves are set to face the Lakers twice more in the regular season and potentially could meet in the playoffs. It’s encouraging to hear a top player like Davis openly acknowledge the Timberwolves as the toughest team they’ve encountered.

Then again, it also shows that, while national talking heads might still be dismissing the Wolves, other NBA teams are not. They’re getting everybody’s best shot night in and night out. But let’s not forget about the real reason Davis dreads playing against the Timberwolves. He has to play against Rudy Gobert.

Related: Chris Finch Becomes First Timberwolves All-Star Game Coach Since Flip Saunders

Before landing in Minnesota, Finch had coached all over the world and found success pretty much everywhere he went. And at every stop, he made good players into better players. Which is why former Wolves president of basketball operations, Gersson Rosas, pre-targeted Finch back in February 2021, when he was an assistant with the Toronto Raptors, and Ryan Saunders was still the head coach here.

🔹1x British Basketball League champion
🔹1x British Basketball League Trophy winner
🔹2x British Basketball League Cup Winner
🔹Former player-coach for Sheffield Sharks
🔹1998/99 Coach of the Year

Chris Finch is now an NBA All-Star Coach#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/xwgLwkFxqb

— BBL Daily (@BBLDaily) February 5, 2024

Rosas was fired not too long after hiring Finch, and that saga was something worth digging back into another time, but there was never a doubt about Chris, even after Gersson was out. The rest of the organization clearly knew what it had, in Finchy, very quickly.

Minnesota Timberwolves players celebrate All-Star head coach

Three years later, to the month, the Timberwolves are the best team in the Western Conference entering the All-Star break, meaning Finch is the head coach of the West All-Star team, an honor he clinched last night when the Wolves blew out the Houston Rockets at Target Center.

After becoming the first Minnesota Timberwolves head coach to earn the All-Star nod since Flip Saunders did it exactly 20 years ago (2004), Wolves players waited quietly in the locker room as Finch walked in, as if this was just going to be another postgame speech. As he started to speak, they ambushed their All-Star coach with water bottles in celebration.

THAT’S OUR COACH pic.twitter.com/fUPlAf5dFv

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 5, 2024

Then, one-by-one players went to bat for their head coach and how badly they wanted to get this win for him. It doesn’t take very many of these quotes before you realize how instrumental Chris Finch is to the development and growth of the Minnesota Timberwolves and youngsters who had never reached their full potential before he arrived.

“That probably was the greatest thing of this season. That’s dope for him to get recognized for how great he’s coached this year.”

Anthony Edwards postgame on Chris Finch

Rudy Gobert on playing for Chris Finch: "Getting to know him as a person, more than anything, makes me want to win for him."#RaisedByWolves #NBA pic.twitter.com/gJgnWu0XLF

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) February 5, 2024

Finch is more than a players coach

But that doesn’t mean Finch is a players-first coach who lets the locker room run wild, caring more about player feelings than he does the basketball being played on the court. There have been multiple times this season, both after losses and wins, that Finchy has come to the postgame podium ready to vent over his teams failures from that game.

Related: Timberwolves Tried Trading 4 Draft Picks for Tyus Jones but Wizards Said No

Most notably, Finch used his postgame interview to vent after KAT went off for 62 points, in a Wolves loss early last week. The head coach was so disgusted and blinded by how poorly the Timberwolves played that he seemed to completely forget about Karl’s huge night.

"It was an absolute disgusting performance of defense and immature basketball."

Chris Finch gives his thoughts after the loss. #RaisedByWolves #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/CI8sX5ZsUF

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) January 23, 2024

Wolves players don’t just like Chris Finch, they respect him. He’s a real dude and whatever he’s willing to say in front of media, he’s already been much more up-front with that player. If you think the above was a one-off scenario, try again.

At MSF, we’ve documented a couple times he’s used the media to vent over the last couple season, not to mention his rant above. They know what he expects and they know that, should they not meet expectations, they’ll know about it.

The first thing that Wolves players mention when asked about Finch is his willingness to coach this team hard. The modern NBA is a star-driven league, and that can make the practice of coaching them a delicate one. But these players say Finch doesn’t play favorites.

“He doesn’t back down from anybody,” Conley said. “He’s a guy that really challenges you, calls you out in front of everybody. He lets you know what you need to do to get better every day and is consistent with that.”

The Athletic

Every basketball soul Finch has come across has the same message. Not only is Chris a great basketball mind, but he knows what makes players tick, which is so much more important than X’s and O’s.

If you see Gersson Rosas, thank him for Chris Finch

In mid-February 2021, Gersson Rosas fired Ryan Saunders immediately following an ugly road loss vs Tom Thibodeau and the New York Knicks. Like… before the team got back on the plane that night, meaning Saunders had to find his own way back to MSP.

Related: Every Player the Minnesota Timberwolves Have Been Linked to Before NBA Trade Deadline

Gersson was so desperate to hire Finch that he didn’t even take the time to order Ryan an Uber to the airport, because he was already on the phone offering Finch the head coaching job. No coaching search, no interim replacement, no diversity.

All Rosas wanted was Chris Finch and he didn’t care who he had to piss off or offend to get it done. As long as he landed Finchy, everything else would work out. Clearly, Gersson was right, even if he never got to stick around to see his controversial coaching hire bear fruit.

That’s because, on Saturday afternoon, news broke that Buxton had received a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection into his knee on Wednesday, following his appearance in the All-Star game the night before. The PRP injection, which takes a few days to a week to recover from, was pre-planned.

But the Twins had to push the treatment back from Monday to Wednesday, because of Buck’s All-Star appearance on Tuesday. Had he gotten the injection when the All-Star break first got underway (Monday), it’s very possible he would have been ready to take the field for the Minnesota Twins this weekend.

Wrote how the All-Star Game altered Byron Buxton’s treatment plans. Had he not played — and hit the game-winning homer — Buxton likely would have had a PRP shot on Mon. Had to wait til Wednesday, which likely keeps him out of this 2-game series.https://t.co/ueKiK5vIM4 https://t.co/ZqtBHapjRw

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 23, 2022

Selfish, understandable or… both?

In a vacuum, Byron Buxton’s decision to play in the All-Star game last week was a selfish one. He knew it would cause him to miss at least two games this weekend vs the Tigers. From a literal standpoint, there’s no arguing that Buck chose a personal accolade over helping his team win this weekend.

But this isn’t a vacuum and there’s a lot that goes into the situation. First, it was Byron’s first ever All-Star selection and there’s no guarantee he will ever get back to the mid-summer classic. That’s worth something.

Not to mention what an All-Star appearance can do for a young star’s confidence, which Dan Hayes (The Athletic) pointed out on Twitter.

There’s benefit on the player side of the confidence that comes from knowing you’re that good and belong. Can’t tell you how many first-time All-Stars have said the experience means more than they ever thought. And none of those guys hit the game-winning homer.

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 23, 2022

It’s difficult to put yourself in Byron Buxton’s shoes and imagine making any other decision outside of the one he did. To fly out to LA on Jim Pohlad’s private jet and live your best life as one of the best baseball players in the world, this summer.

As a fan praying every night to see the Minnesota Twins make a playoff run, Buxton’s decision is disappointing. But as a human being who understands that life is short, I can’t blame him or pretend like I’d do anything different.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Byron Buxton has All-Star numbers in 2021, hitting .370 with a 1.180 OPS and 9 home runs. But, the Minnesota Twins centerfielder hasn’t played a game since May 6 when he was sent to the injured list with a “hip strain” issue. Fans who are voting for AL outfielders clearly don’t care. They want Buxton in their 2021 All-Star outfield at Coors Field on July 13.

As of one hour ago, Buxton was a top-3 vote-getter in the American League outfield, slotting him in as the starting left fielder.

As of right now, here are the All-Star Game voting leaders in the AL ???? pic.twitter.com/Uamcn1Vzph

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 14, 2021

How it works

There are two rounds of voting for the 2021 All-Star game, per CBS Sports. This first round will end ten days from now, on June 24. The top-9 outfielders for each league will move to the final round of voting, which starts on June 28 at noon. Again, the actual game takes place on July 13.

To cast votes, you can visit MLB.com and view the entire ballot. If you don’t care about the ballot process, just “Google” the player you want to vote for and you’ll find a “Vote for [Byron Buxton]” button at the top of your search results.

Buxton set to return

If Byron Buxton was a leading vote-getter when he was on the IR, I’d imagine he’ll only garner a larger majority of the populous when he returns. Coincidentally, Buck’s return appears to be on the horizon. After a short 3-game rehab stint in St. Paul, where he hit .556 with a 2.139 OPS, 7 RBI and 2 HR, Byron traveled with the Twins to Seattle and is expected to make his return while there.

Both Byron Buxton and Luis Arráez will travel to Seattle with the #MNTwins, Rocco said.

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) June 13, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Alright, Minnesota Twins’ fans. Here is your chance to put the Minnesota Twins on your shoulders and lift 4 players into the MLB All-Star game that will be played in Cleveland, come July 9.

Over the next 28 hours (starts at 11 CT on 6/26) you will be afforded the opportunity to vote for the MLB All-Star Game starters (links and directions to vote below). But, here is where things get serious… Each position has 3 players to vote for (9 total outfielders/3 starters). The players that win will be the starters of next month’s big game. Those who DO NOT get selected…. well, they aren’t even guaranteed a spot on the team, period.

So, don’t leave our All-Star fate up to the assholes around the MLB. Take control Twins’ fans! This is our time!!! Let’s get all four of these fuckers starting in this game.

The way I understand the rules, you can vote 5 times (only 4 Twins available so pick your 5th) in the first 24 hours, before everything resets. The real fan MVP’s will get to vote 10 total times on MLB.com (sometime in the first 4 hours and then again tomorrow when it resets, but before the voting ends at 3 PM)

That’s not the only way to vote, though. You can also vote on Google by just searching the player’s name in the search bar and then clicking just one “vote” button.

I’ve made it easier. Click each player below and a new tab will open where you will be taken directly to their Google voting ballot:

1. Jorge Polanco
2. C.J. Cron
3. Eddie Rosario
4. Nelson Cruz

NOW THAT YOU’VE VOTED ON GOOGLE, CLICK HERE TO ALSO VOTE AT MLB.COM

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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