Byron Buxton’s return to the Twins lineup may have hit another obstacle.
The Minnesota center fielder exited Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees, creating an immediate injury concern for a team already managing his health carefully. The Twins had only just gotten Buxton back after he missed four straight games with a right hip impingement.
The timing lands with unusual force. Buxton was named an American League All-Star starter earlier Sunday, giving Minnesota one of its best individual storylines of the season before another durability scare arrived hours later.
The Twins entered the weekend hoping Thursday’s off day would help Buxton reset before the Yankees series. He did not start Friday, returned Saturday, and helped Minnesota’s offense erupt in an 11-4 win at Yankee Stadium.
Now the concern shifts back to his availability. Buxton has been Minnesota’s most dangerous power-speed player this season, and his presence changes the shape of the Twins lineup even when he is not carrying the offense by himself.
Minnesota has already leaned on Ryan Kreidler in center field during Buxton’s recent absence. Another missed stretch would again force the Twins to cover center, protect their outfield defense, and replace one of the lineup’s few game-breaking bats.
The club had not immediately announced a reason for Buxton’s exit. Given his recent hip issue, the next update from the Twins will determine whether Sunday was precautionary or the start of another absence.
