Twins' Byron Buxton Out of Lineup with Bruised Hand, Expected to Return Soon

Byron Buxton, the All-Star center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, was absent from the starting lineup on Thursday due to a bruised left hand. The injury, sustained during a game against the Chicago Cubs, is not expected to sideline him for an extended period.

Manager Rocco Baldelli addressed the media prior to the game, indicating that Buxton might be available as a substitute, potentially as a pinch-hitter, depending on his comfort level with the injury.

The incident occurred when Buxton was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Wednesday's game. Although he continued to run the bases, he was removed before his next at-bat. The pitch made contact with part of the protective pad he wears on his hand. Fortunately, X-rays revealed no fractures.

"Nothing's really gotten worse from yesterday, but he's definitely sore and for the same reasons he came out of the game yesterday, he's not going to be starting the game today," Baldelli explained. "I think he's going to be fine and I wouldn't be surprised if he's back out there soon."

Buxton's selection for his second All-Star Game and his debut in the Home Run Derby next week in Georgia remain unaffected by this injury. His participation in these events seems secure.

"We're just going to be seeing how he is today and tomorrow and see what he's capable of," Baldelli noted. "The next couple of days will basically give us that answer."

This season, the 31-year-old Buxton has hit 20 home runs over 75 games, ranking him sixth in the American League. He also stands third in runs scored and slugging percentage, sixth in OPS, and seventh in stolen bases.