NEW YORK -- Byron Buxton returned to the Twins’ lineup for Saturday’s game against the Yankees following a four-game absence due to a right hip impingement.
Buxton was batting out of the No. 2 hole and manning center field.
The 32-year-old participated in a full slate of baseball activities before Friday’s series opener at Yankee Stadium coming off what Twins manager Derek Shelton described as a “very helpful” off-day on Thursday. Buxton passed every test, signaling that he was ready to return to the lineup for the first time since Sunday.
Buxton noticed that his swing felt off during last weekend’s series against the Rockies, prompting him to undergo an MRI. This was a recurrence of the hip issue that caused Buxton to miss five games in mid-May, though that discomfort proved more bothersome more while running -- and stopping -- rather than swinging.
A two-time All-Star, Buxton is enjoying another splendid season. He had a .268/.325/.573 slash line with 25 home runs and an .898 OPS through 73 games this year while avoiding a trip to the IL. He stands a good chance to make his third All-Star team -- and perhaps even earn a starting nod -- when rosters are announced later Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. CT on FOX.