Byron Buxton Returns to Twins' Injured List with Hip Impingement

The Minnesota Twins placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday after he left the fifth inning of a 3-2 win over the Kansas City Royals with a right-hip impingement. The move follows a brief activation on July 20 that ended a nine-game absence, including the All-Star Game where Buxton had been selected as a starter.

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Since returning from his first stint on the injured list, Buxton has posted a .160 batting average with no extra-base hits in seven games and has not homered since June 22. Over the 2024 season, ESPN reported that he is batting .263 with 25 home runs, 45 RBIs and seven stolen bases in 82 games.

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Buxton’s health status has intensified speculation ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. The Twins have publicly stated that they have no intention of trading the veteran, noting his full no-trade clause and his expressed desire to remain in Minnesota. He signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the club in December 2021.

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At the time of the injury, the Twins held a 54-54 record, sitting two games behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central and a half-game out of the final AL wild-card position. Losing a player of Buxton’s offensive output and defensive range could affect the club’s push for a postseason berth.

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The Twins announced the IL move and, in the same transaction, recalled infielder Tristan Gray from Triple-A St. Paul to provide depth. The organization reiterated its commitment to keeping Buxton on the roster for the remainder of the season.

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