Twins Place Byron Buxton on Injured List with Right Hip Impingement

Byron Buxton returns to the injured list after reaggravating a hip injury during the fifth inning of Minnesota's 3-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton exited Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the fifth inning, leading to his placement on the 10-day injured list this Wednesday. Medical evaluations confirmed a recurrence of right hip impingement, the same diagnosis that sidelined the veteran for nine games earlier in July. This transaction marks his second stint on the IL within a single month, occurring just nine days after he was activated on July 20. The 32-year-old center fielder had previously missed the All-Star Game due to the initial onset of this specific physical ailment.

Key details

Statistical data highlights a sharp decline in production leading up to this roster move. Across 82 games this season, Buxton maintained a .263 batting average, supplemented by 25 home runs and 45 RBIs. However, in the seven contests following his first return from the IL, his efficiency plummeted to a .160 average. During that span, the former Platinum Glove winner failed to record a single extra-base hit, and his power drought extended back to June 22, the date of his last home run. Despite these struggles, he remains a core component of the lineup, having successfully converted seven stolen base attempts earlier in the campaign.

To address the vacancy on the active roster, the Twins front office recalled infielder Tristan Gray from Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday afternoon. Gray joins a Minnesota squad currently locked in a volatile American League Central race. Entering Wednesday’s schedule, the Twins possess a 54-54 record, trailing the first-place Chicago White Sox by exactly two games. Furthermore, the club sits a mere half-game behind the final qualifying position in the American League Wild Card standings, making every roster adjustment critical as the postseason hunt intensifies.

Financial and contractual obligations ensure Buxton remains a fixture in Minneapolis despite the looming MLB trade deadline this Monday. The outfielder is currently playing under a seven-year, $100 million extension signed in December 2021, a deal that runs through the 2028 season. Crucially, the agreement includes a full no-trade clause, and team management has explicitly stated they have no intention of moving the veteran. Buxton has reiterated his desire to remain with the franchise, emphasizing his commitment to the organization even as he navigates recurring health setbacks.

Latest developments

The timing of this hip impingement is particularly taxing for a Minnesota offense seeking consistency. Before the injury flared up, Buxton’s 25 homers provided significant middle-of-the-order protection. The lack of a definitive recovery timeline adds uncertainty to the Twins' outfield rotation, which must now rely on depth pieces to bridge the gap. Team officials have not specified whether this second bout of inflammation will require a longer period of rest than the nine-day absence recorded earlier this month.

Minnesota’s defensive alignment also faces a shift without their primary center fielder. Buxton’s range and veteran presence have been staples of the Twins' strategy, yet his physical limitations since July 20 have visibly hampered his mobility on the grass. The organization is prioritizing long-term health over immediate availability, especially given the $100 million investment tied to his performance over the next four years. As the team prepares for the final stretch of the summer, the focus remains on stabilizing the roster while their All-Star representative undergoes further treatment for the persistent hip issue.

In the interim, the Twins must find offensive sparks elsewhere to maintain their .500 winning percentage and close the gap on the White Sox. The loss of Buxton’s speed and power, even during a slump, removes a high-ceiling threat from the batting order. With the trade deadline approaching, the front office’s decision to stand pat with Buxton underscores their belief in his eventual return to form, provided the right hip impingement can be successfully managed through the remainder of the 162-game marathon.