Byron Buxton Exits Twins' 4-2 Loss to Athletics After Re-Injuring Right Hip

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton left Tuesday's 4-2 defeat against the Athletics after appearing to injure his right hip during the seventh inning in Sacramento.

The Minnesota Twins fell 4-2 to the Athletics on Tuesday night in Sacramento, California, a contest defined by Byron Buxton’s departure in the bottom of the seventh inning. The 32-year-old center fielder suffered a right hip injury while attempting to field a triple hit into the gap by Henry Bolte. As the ball bounced, Buxton reached out and immediately began walking gingerly across the outfield grass, prompting an immediate visit from the training staff. Before the physical setback forced him out of the lineup, the veteran went 0-for-3 while occupying the second spot in the batting order.

Key details

Manager Derek Shelton observed the outfielder’s hip appeared to "catch" as he tried to decelerate on the play. This specific movement triggered the decision to remove the former All-Star from the game for a comprehensive evaluation in the training room. Trevor Larnach was summoned from the bench to take over defensive duties, eventually finishing the evening with an 0-for-1 stat line. The defensive transition occurred with the Twins trailing, adding pressure to a roster already navigating significant health hurdles throughout the summer months.

This incident marks the third time this season that Buxton’s right hip has required medical intervention. The initial strain and impingement surfaced on July 7, a diagnosis that officially sidelined him through the All-Star break. Although he returned to active duty on July 20, the recovery proved short-lived. By July 29, the organization placed him back on the injured list after he aggravated the same area, leading to another extended absence from the starting nine. Shelton confirmed during his postgame press conference that the player has been managing this persistent discomfort for several months.

Statistically, the center fielder has maintained a .254 batting average despite the intermittent availability. His power numbers remain a focal point of the Twins' offense, consisting of 25 home runs and 46 RBIs over the course of the current campaign. The loss in Sacramento leaves the club with a 4-2 deficit on the scoreboard and growing concerns regarding the stability of their primary outfielder. Medical personnel continued their assessment of the hip long after the final out was recorded, though no official prognosis was provided to the media immediately following the game.

Latest developments

Shelton emphasized the necessity of removing the veteran to prevent further damage, noting that the player was still being examined as the team prepared to depart the stadium. The Twins have not yet announced a corresponding roster move or a potential stint on the injured list, opting to wait for the results of the diagnostic tests. The recurring nature of the impingement suggests a delicate recovery process ahead for the 32-year-old. Fans and analysts alike are now monitoring the transaction wire to see if a Triple-A call-up will be required for the upcoming series.

The Athletics capitalized on the defensive shift, maintaining their two-run lead through the final two frames. For Minnesota, the focus shifts from the box score to the trainer's table, as Buxton's 25 homers represent a significant portion of the team's slugging percentage. Without his presence in the No. 2 hole, the lineup loses a dynamic speed threat and a Gold Glove-caliber defender in center field. The team’s medical staff will likely prioritize imaging to determine if this latest flare-up mirrors the severity of the July 29 aggravation.

Tuesday's defeat serves as a reminder of the fragility of the Twins' current configuration. With the postseason race intensifying, losing a player with 46 RBIs creates a void that Larnach or other reserve outfielders must fill. The Sacramento crowd witnessed the immediate impact of the injury as the momentum shifted following Bolte's triple. As the evaluation continues, the organization remains cautious, acknowledging that the right hip has been a source of frustration for the center fielder since the early weeks of July.