MINNEAPOLIS -- Byron Buxton is getting closer to returning, but the Twins' star center fielder was held out of the lineup for one more day on Friday due to right hip flexor soreness.
Buxton first felt something in the joint during Tuesday’s win against the Marlins. He started Wednesday night but was held out after feeling discomfort on Thursday morning before an early afternoon start. He sat once again in Friday’s series opener against Milwaukee but could return over the weekend.
“He’s feeling better, so I think we’re trending in the right direction,” said manager Derek Shelton.
Buxton has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball, with 15 home runs in his last 26 games.
Larnach also out
Buxton isn’t the only Twins outfielder dealing with something. Trevor Larnach missed a third straight start Friday due to what Shelton called “upper back tightness.” Larnach is available to play and could start as early as Saturday.
“He’s going through all baseball activities today, so we think he’s going to be in a good spot and expect him to be available off the bench,” Shelton said.
Bradley getting closer
Taj Bradley, sidelined with right pectoral muscle inflammation, threw a bullpen Friday and is trending toward a return. Next steps will depend at least in part on how he feels Saturday, but he is progressing.
Shelton said it is unlikely that Bradley would appear in a Major League game without facing hitters in some capacity. Whether that would be live batting practice or a Minor League rehabilitation assignment, and when it would happen, is to be determined.