Twins place Hicks on DL, recall Buxton

NEW YORK -- Top prospect Byron Buxton is rejoining the Twins, as fellow center fielder Aaron Hicks was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain suffered in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Yankees.

Hicks hit a grounder to third in the sixth inning and tried to beat out the throw to first, but came up lame after reaching the bag. He was removed for shortstop Eduardo Nunez, as Eduardo Escobar moved from shortstop to left field and Eddie Rosario moved to center field.

Hicks' injury is believed to be a mild strain, but the Twins didn't want to play short-handed, according to manager Paul Molitor, as closer Glen Perkins is also out with a stiff neck.

"I'm not sure if it's going to take two weeks, hopefully not, but considering the circumstances, I don't think he's going to be ready to play for a little while and with Perkins in limbo, I can't reduce the pitching staff, and so we'll have to make a move to bring up a player," Molitor said.

Hicks has been impressive since coming off the 15-day disabled list on July 3, hitting .281 with seven homers, five doubles, two triples, three stolen bases and 12 walks in 41 games. He's been serving as the club's leadoff hitter since Aug. 11. Hicks was frustrated by the injury, but understood the decision to be placed on the DL.

"It's all about who can be on the field right now and produce right now," Hicks said. "We don't have time to wait around for me. We need guys who can come up here and play now."

Video: CWS@MIN: Buxton shows off hitting and defense

Buxton, ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect, was the logical replacement, as he's been impressive at Triple-A Rochester after coming off the DL on Aug. 10. He was batting .400 with a homer, three doubles and a triple in 13 games at Rochester. He had a hit in all 13 games, including an RBI double on Wednesday.