Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton (25) is looked at by manager Rocco Baldelli (5), left, and a trainer after being hit by a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton runs from second base and scores against the Chicago Cubs on a Ryan Jeffers double in the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Twins keep sore Buxton out of starting lineup with bruised hand, but expect All-Star to be fine
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins held All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of the starting lineup on Thursday because of a bruised left hand that is not expected to affect his availability for long.
Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton (25) is looked at by manager Rocco Baldelli (5), left, and a trainer after being hit by a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins held All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of the starting lineup on Thursday because of a bruised left hand that is not expected to affect his availability for long.
Manager Rocco Baldelli said before the game against the Chicago Cubs that Buxton could be available as a substitute — possibly as a pinch-hitter — depending on how the hand was feeling.
Buxton was hit by a pitch in the first inning and stayed in the game to run the bases but was removed before his next at-bat. The pitch hit at least part of the protective pad Buxton wears on his hand. X-rays showed no breaks.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“Nothing’s really gotten worse from yesterday, but he’s definitely sore and for the same reasons he came out of the game yesterday, he’s not going to be starting the game today,” Baldelli said. “I think he’s going to be fine and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back out there soon.”
Buxton was selected for his second All-Star Game and also chosen as a first-time entrant in the , but his participation in those events next week in his home state of Georgia did not appear to be in jeopardy.
“We’re just going to be seeing how he is today and tomorrow and see what he’s capable of,” Baldelli said. “The next couple of days will basically give us that answer.”
The 31-year-old Buxton has 20 home runs through 75 games this year, tied for sixth in the American League. He’s also third in the AL in runs and slugging percentage, sixth in OPS and seventh in stolen bases.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation