Minnesota Twins All-Star Byron Buxton left Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs after being hit in the hand with a pitch, putting his status for next week’s Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in doubt.
Buxton appeared to avoid serious injury. Initial X-rays on his hand came back negative, and he was initially diagnosed with a contusion on his left hand, the Twins announced. He’s listed as day-to-day. It’s not clear if he’ll undergo further diagnostic imaging.
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The injury takes place five days before Buxton is slated to compete in the Home Run Derby, which is scheduled for Monday in Atlanta (8 p.m. ET, ESPN). Buxton was also selected as a reserve for his second career All-Star Game, which will take place on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET, FOX). His injury leaves his status for both events in doubt.
The injury took place in the bottom of the first inning in the first Twins at-bat of the game. A 98 mph fastball from Cubs starter Cade Horton sailed high and inside and hit Buxton on the top of his left hand, which was covered by protective padding.
Buxton initially remained in the game after an on-field exam of his hand. He stole second base after being awarded first via the hit-by-pitch. He came around to score on a single by Ryan Jeffers.
But he did not return to the game for his next scheduled at bat in the second inning. Brooks Lee pinch hit for Buxton and took his place in the lineup.
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The Twins went on to a 4-2 win to improve to 45-47, 13 games behind the first-place Detroit Tigers in the AL Central and three games behind the Seattle Mariners in the race for the final AL wild-card spot.
Buxton is in the middle of a standout season at 31 years old. In a career that’s been plagued by injuries, Buxton’s played in 74 of Minnesota’s 92 games, putting him on pace for the second-most games played in any season of his 11-season MLB career.
Through Wednesday, he’s slashing .270/.335/.544 with 20 home runs and 53 RBI. With Wednesday’s stolen base, he’s now 17 for 17 in stolen-base attempts. His home-run total before the All-Star break is already the third-highest of his career and eight short of tying his career high.
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Buxton and the Twins are certainly hoping he can return to the lineup sooner than later and in time for next week’s All-Star festivities.
