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 did not have to make a corresponding roster move before the game. After the game, they designated catcher Alex Jackson for assignment.
In his first night back in Minnesota's lineup, Buxton went 1-for-4 with a double during the Twins' 7-1 loss to Philadelphia.
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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.”
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].”
The Twins had been carrying three catchers since early July, and there was no obvious alternative to Jackson to clear space. Still, it’s absolutely a risk to expose Jackson, who is out of options, to a waiver claim. If he is lost to another organization, Minnesota will be at risk if one of its two catchers gets hurt, because there’s no other established catcher in the system behind Ryan Jeffers and Victor Caratini.
And that’s another part of why Thursday was such a perfect fit to bring back Buxton. Jackson at least was able to participate in the Field of Dreams game.