The Minnesota Twins have placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list with a right hip strain, retroactive to July 6. According to reporting by Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune, the move comes as the team monitors a recurring injury that has hampered Buxton’s availability throughout the 2025 season. Alan Roden has been recalled to the major league roster in a corresponding move.
Why is Byron Buxton’s health a recurring concern for the Twins?
Buxton’s history with right hip issues dates back to the 2021 season, when a strain sidelined him for over a month. He faced a similar recovery timeline in 2022 due to the same injury. In 2024, the team placed him on the injured list for nearly a month due to right hip inflammation. The trend has persisted into 2025, with the outfielder missing time in mid-May for hip flexor soreness before being diagnosed with a right hip impingement at the end of June. He was removed from a game on July 6 after re-aggravating the injury, necessitating the current stint on the injured list.
Despite his frequent absences, Buxton remains one of the team’s most productive hitters. In 2025, he has recorded 25 home runs and a slash line of .271/.328/.575.
How does the injury impact the Twins’ playoff outlook?
The loss of their most productive hitter creates a significant challenge for a team currently sitting 1.5 games out of an American League playoff spot. While Buxton has frequently shifted to designated hitter duties to manage his workload, his absence forces the Twins to rely on depth options to cover center field. Candidates for the position include Ryan Kreidler, Kody Clemens, Austin Martin, and Kyler Fedko. However, according to team analysis, none of these players are expected to replicate Buxton’s offensive output. The team’s ability to remain in the postseason hunt will likely dictate their strategy regarding a summer roster sell-off.
Will the Twins trade Byron Buxton?
Despite persistent trade rumors surrounding the veteran, a move remains unlikely. Buxton holds a full no-trade clause and has publicly stated his desire to remain in Minnesota, most recently confirming this stance in June. General manager Jeremy Zoll echoed this sentiment shortly after, stating that the organization has no plans to trade the outfielder. Instead, if the club decides to move pieces to adjust their roster, analysts point to players like Ryan Jeffers, Trevor Larnach, or Joe Ryan as more probable trade candidates, provided the team’s playoff position forces a shift in strategy.
What is the expected timeline for Buxton’s return?
The Twins have not provided a definitive timeline for Buxton’s return, though the upcoming All-Star Break offers a strategic window for recovery. If the injury requires only a minimum stay on the 10-day injured list, he could potentially miss as few as six games. The team’s decision to make the move retroactive to July 6 suggests they are hoping for a brief absence rather than an extended recovery period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Byron Buxton expected to be traded this summer?
No. Buxton has a full no-trade clause and has expressed his desire to stay in Minnesota, a sentiment backed by general manager Jeremy Zoll.
How many games has Buxton played in his career?
Now in his 12th big league season, Buxton has played more than 102 games in a single season only twice.
Who will replace Buxton in center field?
The Twins may rotate players including Ryan Kreidler, Kody Clemens, Austin Martin, and Kyler Fedko, or utilize Alan Roden, who was recently recalled.
What do you think the Twins should do to bolster their outfield depth while Buxton is sidelined? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on the American League playoff race.
