MINNEAPOLIS -- Byron Buxton is headed to the 10-day injured list for the third time this season as the result of a right hip impingement that has bothered him since May.
No timetable was set for Buxton’s return, but the Twins still hope that he will play again in 2026. Buxton was removed from Tuesday’s game against the Athletics when the injury flared up, and he has not played since.
To take his place on the roster, Minnesota recalled outfielder/first baseman Gabriel Gonzalez from Triple-A St. Paul. Gonzalez will most likely serve primarily as a right-handed bench bat for a team that tilts heavily to the left side. Rookie Walker Jenkins, the team’s No. 1 prospect (and No. 15 prospect in baseball) who debuted on Friday night, will serve as the primary center fielder in Buxton’s absence.
“It really hasn’t felt better,” manager Derek Shelton said. “In terms of the modalities to test it out in the training room, I think one of the things with going day to day was just seeing how he felt. One of the many good things about Byron is his transparency of how his body feels and where he’s at. This morning, when he came in, it has not gotten better. I think giving it time to be able to calm down … see if we can get him back this year is where we’re at.”
Buxton put up a sensational first half and was elected as a starter for the American League All-Star team. But he missed the All-Star Game due to his first stint on the IL, and he has not been able to reach that level of performance since. He’s missed time on multiple occasions this year due to the condition.
General manager Jeremy Zoll recently acknowledged that Buxton might require surgery at some point for the injury, but for now that is not the path he and the club are pursuing.
“Our plan right now is to continue to work for him to be back this year,” Shelton said. “That is what we will move forward with. If that adjusts or changes, then we’ll adjust off that. Right now, our plan, and Byron’s plan, is to try to work back to be back this year.”
Ryan set for rehab start
Joe Ryan, who is recuperating from a strained left glute muscle, threw a bullpen session before Sunday’s game and seemed encouraged by it. His next step is to pitch Tuesday in a rehabilitation start with Triple-A St. Paul.
Ryan will likely require more than one rehab start, but for now, getting him back into game action will be a significant step forward.
“I just think we’re going to knock this one out, see where we’re at, and touch base, figure out the plan from there,” Ryan said.
Twins tidbits
Triple-A St. Paul hit four homers on Saturday, giving the Saints 228 on the season. That’s three short of the International League record of 231, set by Omaha in 2021, and the second highest total in league history. … Seven of the nine players in the Twins’ lineup Sunday, plus starting pitcher Zebby Matthews, were drafted and developed by the club.