Full Breakdown
Byron Buxton Returns to the Twins’ Injured List with Right Hip Impingement
8/30/2026, 9:54:57 PM
Core Event
The Minnesota Twins placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list (IL) with a right-hip impingement, retroactive to August 27. The move coincided with the recall of outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez from Triple-A St. Paul to fill the roster spot.
Background & Context
Buxton’s hip problem has sidelined him three times this season. He first went on the IL on July 7, returned on July 20, and was placed back on the IL on July 29. The latest stint follows an aggravation while chasing a ball against the Oakland Athletics in Sacramento. Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll has indicated that offseason surgery “is definitely a potential option” as the season approaches September 1.
Data & Statistics
- Season performance: .254 batting average, 25 home runs, 46 RBIs, .511 slugging, .829 OPS in 93 games.
- Post-first-IL slump: .172/.274/.203 with no home runs in 73 plate appearances since July 7.
- Team impact: Twins’ record without Buxton fell to 20-25; OPS dropped to .699 (vs. .735 with him) and slugging fell to .391 (vs. .412 with him) (Sports Illustrated).
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Jeremy Zoll told reporters that surgery remains a possible offseason route and that the team will monitor Buxton’s progress over the next stretch.
Timeline
- May 22 – Buxton’s teammate Gabriel Gonzalez made his MLB debut, going 1-for-2 with two walks (ESPN, Minnesota News Network).
- July 7 – Buxton’s first IL placement of the season.
- July 20 – Buxton activated from the IL.
- July 29 – Buxton returned to the IL.
- August 27 – Buxton placed on the 10-day IL for the third hip-related stint; Gonzalez recalled to the 26-man roster.
- September 1 – Potential surgery discussed by Zoll (scheduled date).
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're going to see if we can get [Buxton] through this next stretch and back on the field one more time,” — Jeremy Zoll, general manager
- “It’s just, I haven’t done that in a second, and then I haven’t really done that feeling like I have control over my body and not compensating for a couple, a little bit longer than that. So good to just get out there and feel a little bit more free.” — Jeremy Zoll, general manager
- “I think just facing hitters was the biggest one, right?” — Joe Ryan
What’s Next
Buxton is eligible to return after seven days, though his readiness remains uncertain. The Twins may consider offseason surgery if his hip does not improve, as indicated by GM Zoll. Meanwhile, Gabriel Gonzalez, who is hitting .254 with a .741 OPS in Triple-A, could see extended playing time while Buxton recovers.
