Byron Buxton makes early exit against Royals

Buxton has been battling a lingering hip ailment for the last couple months and didn’t look right at the dish after coming off the injured list last week, hitting just .160 (4-for-25) with zero extra-base hits in seven games. It’s challenging to forecast exactly when Buxton will return since the Twins would probably prefer that he finally put the hip issue to bed once and for all. Fantasy managers should anticipate a multi-week absence. There should be a definitive return timetable at some point in the near future.

Luke Keaschall takes over in center field. No surprise after Buxton made an early exit from Tuesday’s game at Target Field with right hip soreness. It’s been a persistent issue for him throughout the last few months and it wouldn’t be surprising if he wound up requiring a trip to the injured list. The Twins are probably going to wait at least a couple days before making that decision since they’re trying to remain in contention for an AL Wild Card playoff spot leading into next week’s trade deadline.

Not great. It’s the same hip issue that’s been bothering Buxton for most of the season. The 32-year-old franchise cornerstone was 0-for-2 prior to being replaced in center field by Luke Keaschall in the fifth inning of this one. Buxton has graded out as a top-15 fantasy outfielder this season, slashing .263/.320/.544 with 57 runs scored, 25 home runs, 45 RBI and seven steals in 82 games. Any sort of extended absence would be a massive hit for the Twins as they try to stay in playoff contention. He’ll undergo further evaluation, and possibly an MRI, to determine the severity of the issue. There should be additional clarity on his status prior to Wednesday’s contest.

It appears to be a planned maintenance day for Buxton, who started back-to-back games after coming off the injured list earlier this week. Although, you never really know with Buxton sometimes. There’s no reason to panic at the moment. The 32-year-old fantasy stalwart will get some extra rest prior to Thursday’s series finale in Cleveland. It’ll be Luke Keaschall in center field on Wednesday evening in his place.

Buxton was removed for a pinch-hitter in the seventh, but that seemed to be a response to the fact that the Twins were down big in the eventual 13-4 loss. Austin Martin finished up in center after Buxton departed.

Buxton was placed on the injured list on July 7th, so he didn’t miss much time with a hip strain. The Twins are four games out of the AL Central lead and in the thick of the AL Wild Card hunt, so they clearly wanted their star back in the lineup as soon as possible.

Keaschall has made a rather seamless transition to the outfield recently and will receive his first opportunity to patrol center field with franchise cornerstone Byron Buxton on the injured list with a hip strain. The 23-year-old former top prospect has struggled to an underwhelming .255/.341/.347 triple-slash line with just four homers and 12 steals in 337 plate appearances over 86 games. The additional defensive versatility will go a long way to ensuring he has a permanent spot in the majors, but he’ll need to start making more consistent hard contact, which ironically was his calling card in the minors, before he’s an impactful fantasy contributor. He’s far too young for fantasy managers to completely give up on his long-term potential.

Buxton winds up requiring a trip to the injured list after aggravating a previous hip issue during Sunday’s series finale against the Yankees. It’s a concerning development for the Twins, and fantasy managers, and it likely eliminates any chance of him playing in next week’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia. There should be a definitive update on his status and clear return timetable at some point later this week.

Buxton singled in the first inning and was caught trying to steal second base, which appears to have been where he sustained the injury. Hopefully it’s just a minor issue and the Twins are being cautious here, but with Buxton’s extensive injury history you just can’t rule out the chances of him heading to the injured list. Fantasy managers should have an alternative option in place for next week in the event that the dynamic 32-year-old outfielder is forced to miss some time.

Buxton returns to Minnesota’s lineup in center field and hitting second following an extended four-game absence due to a right hip impingement. It’s his first game action since June 28. The 32-year-old has been one of the most impactful all-around fantasy contributors this season, delivering a stellar .268/.323/.573 slash line with 56 runs scored, 25 homers, 43 RBI and seven steals across 329 plate appearances over 73 games. It’s an extremely encouraging development for fantasy managers that he’s managed to avoid a trip to the injured list.