In mid-April, Minnesota Twins slugger Byron Buxton was forced to miss some time with a right knee injury.
The ailment came after an awkward slide into second base at Fenway Park on April 15.
He missed some time and then returned, hitting tape-measure home runs like we are used to seeing from him.
But the injury hasn’t fully gone away, unfortunately.
He hasn’t played since Tuesday with knee soreness.
Manager Rocco Baldelli explained the situation in front of reporters.
“Byron Buxton’s knee is keeping him off the field again today. Baldelli: ‘If Buck could swing and run, he would have played yesterday and he would play today. But those are things that at the moment, he’s not able to do,'” Twins writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press Betsy Helfand tweeted.
Byron Buxton's knee is keeping him off the field again today.
Baldelli: "If Buck could swing and run, he would have played yesterday and he would play today. But those are things that at the moment, he's not able to do."
— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) June 23, 2022
Buxton Is Still Banged Up
While he is not expected to be placed on the injured list as of now (things can always change, though), it’s clear he needs an extra day or two.
It’s a bit concerning he doesn’t feel good enough to hit or run, though.
Sadly, this has been a familiar situation for the talented slugger.
When he is on the field, he is a true difference-maker for the Twins: he has legendary power, incredible speed, and his defense changes games.
After all, he has 19 home runs and a solid .882 OPS despite a low .228 ERA.
The problem is he visits the injured list too often.
He is no stranger to long-term absences, and the Twins’ performances often depend on how often Buxton plays.
Let’s all hope this is a short-term issue that results in him returning to the lineup in a matter of a couple of days.
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