The Minnesota Twins are giving Byron Buxton another day off as they carefully manage the All-Star center fielder following his recent return from the injured list.
Buxton is out of Tuesday’s starting lineup against the Atlanta Braves, with the Twins confirming on X that the decision is for standard physical maintenance. It comes after the 32-year-old missed time with a recurring right hip impingement.
The latest absence is part of a cautious approach after Buxton returned from his second injured-list stint of the season. He received a medical injection for the hip issue before being activated on Aug. 13.
Buxton has appeared in 87 games this season and is hitting .259/.322/.530 with 25 home runs and 45 RBIs. However, his availability has been interrupted by injuries throughout the campaign.
Since returning, Buxton has gone 2-for-15 with one double and three walks across four starts. The Twins are now giving him another opportunity to recover rather than pushing him through another game.
The move also comes as Minnesota manages its roster around Buxton’s return. The club previously optioned infielder Tristan Gray to Triple-A St. Paul to make room for Buxton when he was activated.
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With Buxton out of the lineup, the Twins will have to rely on other players to provide production against Atlanta. Josh Bell and Ryan Jeffers have been among the players carrying more of the offensive responsibility during Buxton’s absences.
For Minnesota, keeping Buxton healthy is particularly important as the club continues its push in the American League Central. The Twins entered Wednesday second in the division at 62-65, four games behind the Chicago White Sox.
The decision to rest Buxton shows the Twins are taking a measured approach with their star center fielder. After missing significant time because of his hip, the priority now appears to be keeping him available for the stretch run.
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