Byron Buxton -- Injury Report

Byron Buxton was scratched from the Minnesota Twins' Thursday lineup due to right hip flexor soreness, just moments before first pitch. Josh Bell replaced him as the designated hitter. The injury is concerning given Buxton's well-documented durability issues throughout his 12-year career, though it remains unclear if he entered the day with discomfort or if the soreness developed during preparation.

Buxton has been one of the Twins' bright spots this season, posting a .277 batting average with a 1.010 OPS, 12 home runs and 19 RBIs over his last 23 games. He has also stolen four bases without being caught and maintained excellent defensive play in the outfield, putting him on track for a second consecutive All-Star selection. The organization has prioritized keeping their homegrown superstar healthy as they attempt to salvage a 19-24 season sitting five games below .500. The hope is that this latest setback does not require a stint on the injured list.

Minnesota Twins All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton exited Friday's 10-4 home-opening victory over the Tampa Bay Rays after sustaining a right forearm contusion. The injury occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning when Buxton was struck by a 91.6 mph fastball thrown by Rays reliever Kevin Kelly. He immediately left the game and was replaced by James Outman. The Twins announced that X-rays revealed no fracture. Buxton commented on the injury, stating "It's an arm. It ain't broken, so I'm good." At the time of his exit, Buxton was 0-for-3 in the contest with one strikeout.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was ruled out of Thursday's series finale against the Miami Marlins due to right hip flexor soreness. Buxton had been scheduled to serve as the designated hitter batting leadoff but was replaced in the lineup by Josh Bell, who will bat fourth instead.

The injury comes after Buxton contributed offensively in Wednesday's 9-5 loss to Miami, where he homered twice with solo shots. This setback follows a three-game winning streak for the Twins, who split the first two games of the series with the Marlins.

Buxton, 32, is off to a strong 2026 season, batting .260 with a team-leading 15 homers and 23 RBIs across 40 games. He has been particularly productive in May with seven home runs and 12 RBIs in 11 games. A two-time All-Star, Buxton is a career .248 hitter with 183 homers and 459 RBIs in 938 games, all with the Twins organization.