NEW YORK -- Twins center fielder Byron Buxton opted to play things safe when deciding to leave Sunday’s 6-1 win over the Yankees after the top of the first inning with a reaggravation of an existing right hip injury.
Buxton missed four consecutive games earlier this week with a right hip impingement before returning to the lineup on Saturday.
“It’s one of those things where I just don’t want to set myself back farther,” Buxton said. “I don’t want to put the team in a bad spot with me going out there and trying to be Superman and play one game and end up missing a month, or whatever the situation is. Just being smart about what I’m doing and making sure I’m on the field more than I’m not on the field.”
In his first at-bat on Sunday, Buxton hustled down the line to beat out an infield single that deflected off the glove of Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers, moving Austin Martin to third. Then, on a full-count pitch to No. 3 hitter Kody Clemens, Buxton attempted to steal second base.
Buxton said he felt the discomfort “in between” running to second and sliding into the bag. Clemens swung and missed, and Buxton was caught stealing to complete the double play. It was the first time that Buxton was caught stealing since May 1, 2024.
When the Twins took the field for the bottom of the first inning, Buxton did not come out to center field. Rookie outfielder Kyler Fedko took his place.
“It’s one of those things we just have to stay ahead of,” manager Derek Shelton said.
Buxton has managed a nagging right hip issue for a while, but the discomfort crescendoed during last weekend’s series against the Rockies. Buxton’s swing felt off -- the pain impacted his ability to rotate. He said he wants to make sure that the discomfort does not get back to that point.
“It was a little sore,” Buxton said. “Didn’t feel too hot. So, just being a little bit more smart rather than trying to fight through it.”
Buxton missed all three games of the midweek series against the Astros after an MRI revealed a right hip impingement. After a productive off-day on Thursday, he participated in a full slate of baseball activities late Friday afternoon. Buxton passed every test, clearing the way for a return to the lineup on Saturday.
Back in the No. 2 hole, Buxton looked like himself, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs and playing all nine innings in center field in his first game action since June 28.
This is something that the Twins are familiar with. Buxton missed five games in mid-May with hip discomfort that affected him while running and, specifically, stopping.
Buxton, 32, is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career with a .271/.328/.575 slash line and 25 home runs through 75 games. He was named to his third career American League All-Star team on Saturday as a starting outfielder.
Of importance, he has managed to avoid a trip to the injured list. It’s something that Buxton, who has dealt with myriad injuries in his big league career, takes pride in; he even mentioned it on Saturday while discussing his All-Star selection.
In taking the smart approach on Sunday, Buxton seemed confident that he can continue to stay healthy, as a pivotal three-game series with the Guardians begins on Tuesday.