Twins All-Star Byron Buxton Activated from IL Before Cleveland Series

The Minnesota Twins have Byron Buxton activated following a nine-game absence due to a right hip strain, returning his 25 home runs to the lineup.

CLEVELAND -- The Minnesota Twins officially had Byron Buxton activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Monday night’s contest against the Cleveland Guardians. The 32-year-old outfielder returns to the active roster ranking sixth in Major League Baseball and fourth in the American League with 25 home runs. Before his nine-game absence caused by a right hip strain, Buxton posted a .271 batting average, 45 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. His power profile includes six leadoff home runs during the current campaign.

Minnesota managed a 5-4 record while their starting outfielder was sidelined. Although Buxton earned a starting nod for last week’s All-Star Game, the hip injury prevented him from participating in the midsummer classic. The move to reinstate him coincided with the start of a critical series in Cleveland, providing the lineup with a player who had missed nearly two weeks of action to ensure full recovery before the final stretch of the season.

Roster Adjustments and Injury Recovery

To create a spot on the active roster for the returning All-Star, the Twins optioned infielder Tristan Gray to Triple-A St. Paul. Buxton had initially anticipated returning immediately following the All-Star break, but he opted for additional recovery time to solidify his physical condition. The outfielder noted that these extra days were essential to "make sure I got everything right" before engaging in the upcoming series. He expressed confidence in the team's current position and collective understanding of their goals moving forward.

Manager Derek Shelton emphasized a cautious approach regarding the return of his star player. With approximately 60 to 62 games remaining in the regular season, the coaching staff prioritized long-term health over a premature return. Shelton indicated that sacrificing a game or two at the start of this period was a strategic decision to ensure Buxton remains available for the extended run through the end of the year. The manager described the process as a maturation of the player knowing his own body.

Statistical Impact and Lineup Presence

Buxton’s 25 home runs remain a focal point of the Twins' offensive production. His return brings a .271 hitter back into the fold as the team navigates the final third of the schedule. The decision to delay his activation by a few days was intended to benefit his performance for the remainder of the season rather than rushing back for the first games out of the break.

The Twins enter this phase of the season looking to build on the winning record established during Buxton's stint on the injured list. By sending Tristan Gray to Triple-A, the team reconfigures its bench and infield depth to accommodate the primary outfielder. Buxton’s presence in the dugout and on the field is expected to provide a boost as the club faces the Guardians in this divisional matchup. The outfielder described the atmosphere surrounding his return as "going to be fun," citing the team's readiness for the challenges ahead.