MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 28: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins looks on against the Detroit Tigers on September 28, 2021 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton just cannot seem to stay healthy. Against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, he was removed after an awkward slide.
Byron Buxton hasn’t played in more than 100 games since the 2017 season. Despite being one of the most talented outfielders in all of baseball, he hasn’t made an All-Star team, in part due to the fact that he just can’t stay healthy. Yet, the Twins broke the bank to re-sign him this offseason.
Buxton’s injury history is a laundry list of items. It’s best not to reflect. But even after a dream start to the 2022 campaign, the 28-year-old just cannot stay healthy.
He had three home runs and four RBIs in just three games through Opening Weekend. Suddenly protected in the lineup by the likes of Carlos Correa, Buxton’s production was expected to skyrocket.
Byron Buxton injury: Twins star injured against Red Sox
On a routine pop-up to Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story, Buxton lucked into a fielding error. Then, he motored around the bases for a hustling double. Unfortunately his slide into second base was less pretty, and he had to be removed from the game. The update, per Dan Hayes:
“Byron Buxton hurt himself sliding into second base on a leadoff pop up double. He knew it right away, slapped the ground as he finished his slide. Walked off under own power”
Considering he was able to walk off under his own power, we can only hope the injury was minor.
We’ll have more on this story as it develops.