Buxton (hip) returns to Twins just in time for Field of Dreams Game
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DYERSVILLE, Iowa -- The timing worked out, in every way, and Byron Buxton is back on the Twins’ active roster.
Buxton was activated prior to the MLB at Field of Dreams Game presented by John Deere on Thursday night after missing more than two weeks with a right hip impingement. He was immediately inserted into the lineup, playing center field and batting second. He’s considered the 27th man for the special event game, meaning the Twins do not have to make a corresponding roster move until Saturday’s home game against the Phillies.
Also working in Buxton’s favor is Friday’s off-day, meaning that he can get a day off after his first day back in action. And then there's the simple fact that Thursday’s game is, in fact, a special event.
“Yeah, me and [my son, Brixton] were watching the movie before we came here, and just being able to see where the movie was played, he kind of got a little bit more of an understanding of what’s going on, that was a special moment for me not long ago,” Buxton said. “To be able to come out here and play here, I think that just makes the passion, not only for me, but for him a little bit better.”
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For the Twins, meanwhile, it’s a massive addition. Buxton is their best player, and the rest of their lineup and roster function significantly better when they can be built around him. It’s a critical add for a team in a pennant race.
“It’s a special day in a couple regards,” said manager Derek Shelton. “I think any time we can get him back on the field [it’s special].”
Come Saturday, the Twins will have a very tricky decision regarding Buxton’s roster spot. They’ve been carrying three catchers since early July, but it would be tough to risk Alex Jackson, who is out of options, to a waiver claim. They could option an outfielder, but none of the outfielders currently on the roster is an obvious candidate.
And that’s another part of why Thursday was such a perfect fit to bring back Buxton. The Twins could delay the roster move until after the Field of Dreams Game. Whoever is being sent out, he got to participate in the game in Iowa.