The Minnesota Twins welcomed Byron Buxton back to the starting lineup Saturday after the veteran center fielder missed four consecutive games with right hip impingement.
Buxton will start in center field and bat second against the New York Yankees after avoiding the injured list during his recovery. The Twins opted for a cautious approach, giving the 32-year-old additional rest before clearing him to return.
The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft has spent his entire major league career with Minnesota. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, Buxton remains one of the club's most impactful players when healthy.
Aaron Gleeman reported that Buxton returned to the lineup Saturday after missing four games dating back to June 28. The Twins managed the injury without placing him on the injured list, allowing him to resume playing once his right hip responded to treatment.
Through 73 games this season, Buxton is batting .268 with a .325 on-base percentage and a .573 slugging percentage. He has also hit 25 home runs with 43 RBIs, continuing to anchor Minnesota's lineup while providing elite defense in center field.
The decision is an encouraging development for the Twins, who have carefully managed Buxton's workload because of his injury history. His return gives Minnesota one of its most productive hitters back as the club looks to remain in the postseason race during the second half.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Minnesota entered Saturday with a 42-47 record, sitting third in the American League Central while remaining within reach of the Wild Card race. Getting Buxton back provides an immediate boost to both the lineup and the defense after his four-game absence.
The Twins continue their series against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, with Buxton returning to the lineup for the first time since June 28 as Minnesota looks to build momentum heading into the remainder of the road trip.
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