Byron Buxton, the talented center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, is facing offseason surgery to address a persistent impingement issue in his right hip. This injury has not only caused him significant discomfort but has also sidelined him from the Twins' lineup on four separate occasions this season.
In a recent interview with Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Minnesota Star Tribune, Buxton acknowledged the inevitability of undergoing surgery. He stated, "Yeah, unfortunately, I know I’m going to have to get [surgery] done at some point. I’m going to go until it sparks me up again. Then I’ll know, ‘All right, it’s time, bro.’ Until then, I’m just going to keep fighting." His determination to continue playing despite the pain reflects his commitment to the team and the season.
Currently, Buxton is on the 10-day injured list, with the move retroactive to August 27. This means he could potentially return to action as early as September 6. However, there are no definitive indications that he will be back by that date. Buxton expressed hope about returning if the Twins remain competitive in the playoff race, saying, "If it makes sense, I’ll hopefully be back. We’re still fighting. I won’t give up until it catches me again. Until then, though, just fight to try to get better, try to help us out with the [playoff] push."
As of Thursday, the Twins hold a record of 67-73, trailing the Cleveland Guardians by 3.5 games for the final wild-card spot. They are also in pursuit of the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays, all of whom are currently tied with a record of 69-71. The Twins' playoff aspirations hinge significantly on the performance of their key players, including Buxton.
Buxton's return could be crucial for the Twins, but there are concerns about whether he can regain the form that earned him an All-Star selection. In the first 75 games of the season, he boasted a batting average of .271, with 25 home runs and 16 doubles. However, since his stint on the injured list began in early July, he has only participated in 18 games, struggling with a .172 batting average and failing to hit any home runs during that period.
The hip issue has plagued Buxton throughout the season, causing him to miss five games in May and landing him on the injured list three times since July 7. As the Twins continue to vie for a playoff berth, the team faces a critical decision regarding Buxton's return. If he is unable to perform at an optimal level, it may be more beneficial for the team to allow Walker Jenkins to take over center field duties, gaining valuable experience in the process.
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