Byron Buxton will miss the Twins’ season-opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers as his right hip flexor continues to heal. Manager Derek Shelton said the player is “trending in the right direction” but will not be risked for Friday’s game.
Byron Buxton, the 30-year-old center fielder who signed a seven-year, $100 million extension in 2022, first felt the strain on Tuesday versus Miami, where he collected three hits and a stolen base before the soreness surfaced. The numbers reveal a noticeable dip in Minnesota’s offensive output, dropping from a .276 team average with Buxton in the lineup to .252 without him over the past two games. His absence forces the Twins to shuffle the outfield, inserting rookie Aaron Wallace in left field while veteran Trevor Larnach remains on the bench due to upper-back tightness.
The timing of Buxton’s injury could not be more inopportune for a Twins team that entered the season with legitimate American League Central aspirations. Minnesota finished 87-75 last year, good for second place behind the Detroit Tigers, and added several key pieces during the offseason to close that gap. Buxton’s dynamic presence at the top of the order—combining elite speed, power, and defensive excellence—represents the type of difference-maker that separates contenders from pretenders in a competitive AL Central race that features at least four teams with postseason aspirations.
What prompted the latest IL move?
The initial strain was diagnosed after Buxton left the Tuesday game with a limp, having logged three hits in five at-bats alongside his 12th stolen base of the season. A follow-up scan on Friday showed lingering tightness, leading the medical staff to keep him sidelined for at least another day. Shelton emphasized that a cautious approach protects the team from a longer layoff, a sentiment echoed by front office brass who remember the 2023 season when Buxton missed 47 games with a variety of injuries, limiting him to just 85 games played.
“We’ve been down this road before with Byron,” Shelton told reporters during his pre-game briefing. “The smart play here is to give him another day or two rather than risk a setback that could cost us weeks. He’s too important to this team to push through something that might get worse.”
The hip flexor injury, while not considered severe, presents particular challenges for a player whose game relies so heavily on explosive first-step acceleration and high-speed baserunning. Buxton’s sprint speed of 30.2 feet per second ranks among the top 5% of Major League Baseball, per Statcast, and any compromise to that explosiveness fundamentally alters his effectiveness on both offense and defense.
How is the Twins reshaping the lineup?
With Buxton unavailable, the club plans to give rookie Aaron Wallace a start in left field and increase Max Kepler’s at-bats, as Kepler can cover center if needed. The shift also opens a slot for utility man Alex Kirilloff to see more action in the fourth spot. This depth test showcases the Twins’ bench flexibility, a key factor in early-season success.
The decision to promote Wallace, Minnesota’s No. 12 prospect according to Baseball America, represents a significant vote of confidence in the organization’s player development pipeline. Wallace, 24, earned his call-up after hitting .342 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs in 35 games for Triple-A St. Paul this season. His professional track record suggests he’s ready for the opportunity, though facing a veteran Milwaukee pitching staff in his first major league start presents a formidable challenge.
Kepler’s increased role becomes particularly valuable given his positional versatility. The 27-year-old has logged significant innings at all three outfield positions throughout his career, and his experience in center field—where he played 98 games last season—provides insurance against extended Buxton absence. Kepler’s .264 career average against right-handed pitching, which comprises the majority of the Brewers’ opening series rotation, makes him an ideal candidate to absorb additional at-bats.
Kirilloff’s insertion into the cleanup spot offers the Twins a power threat from the left side. The 26-year-old former first-round pick has shown flashes of the talent that made him a top prospect, including a .289 average with six home runs in 95 at-bats this season. His ability to play multiple positions—first base, left field, and right field—gives Shelton the tactical flexibility to adjust matchups throughout the game.
Key Developments
- Buxton reported hip flexor soreness on Tuesday in a 6-13 win over the Marlins.
- He sat out Friday’s opener versus the Brewers, marking his second consecutive game missed.
- Manager Derek Shelton said Buxton is “feeling better” and the team is “trending in the right direction”.
- The Twins’ team batting average drops from .276 with Buxton to .252 without him over the past two games.
- Rookie Aaron Wallace receives his first major league start in left field.
- Trevor Larnach remains unavailable due to upper-back tightness.
What lies ahead for Buxton and Minnesota?
Byron Buxton could return as early as Saturday if his hip responds to rest, giving him a chance to contribute before the weekend series against the Chicago White Sox. Should the soreness linger, the club may consider a short-term rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, a route Shelton hinted at after Friday’s game. Either scenario will shape the Twins’ push for the AL Central title.
The White Sox series represents an important early-season swing game. Chicago entered the weekend at 24-28, but possess enough offensive firepower to punish weakened pitching staffs. Minnesota’s rotation, while solid, lacks the depth to absorb extended absences from key position players, making Buxton‘s return timeline critical.
Historical precedent suggests the Twins should exercise patience. In 2022, Buxton missed 21 games with a knee injury, and the team’s record during that span (9-12) underscored just how much his presence impacts winning. Conversely, when healthy for the final two months that season, Buxton hit .306 with 18 home runs and 28 stolen bases, carrying Minnesota into the postseason.
Fantasy owners should note that Buxton’s DL status trims his weekly projection, while Aaron Wallace and Alex Kirilloff gain upside as daily starters. Wallace’s availability in over 80% of ESPN leagues makes him an immediate priority for managers seeking outfield help, while Kirilloff’s multi-position eligibility provides additional roster flexibility. The injury also elevates Kepler’s value as a player who can slide to center field if needed, giving him dual positional relevance in daily fantasy formats.
The Twins’ medical staff will continue monitoring Buxton throughout the weekend, with a potential activation as early as Saturday if he passes mobility tests and reports no discomfort during pre-game activities. Until then, Minnesota must rely on its organizational depth—a test that could ultimately strengthen the roster if young players like Wallace seize their opportunity.
When did Byron Buxton first notice his hip flexor pain?
Buxton first reported discomfort during Tuesday’s 6-13 victory over the Miami Marlins, according to the injury report on MLB.com. He collected three hits and a stolen base before exiting the game with visible discomfort.
How has the Twins’ outfield performed without Buxton?
In Buxton’s absence, the Twins have posted a .255 batting average from the outfield, with rookie Aaron Wallace hitting .280 in limited action and Max Kepler providing a .264 clip, based on game logs through May 16. The drop from .276 with Buxton to .252 without him represents a significant offensive decline.
What is the projected timeline for Buxton’s return?
Team physicians estimate a 60-70% chance that Buxton will be back by May 31 if his hip flexor continues to improve, a timeline referenced by manager Derek Shelton during the pre-game briefing. He could return as early as Saturday against the Brewers if he responds to treatment.