But the reward is that the Twins are an even better team. The injury risk certainly increases once he takes the field. He's throwing runners out - or keeping them from even thinking about advancing a base. He's making spectacular catches in the outfield. When Buxton has all five of his tools working, he's a problem for opponents. Or to give a break to someone else from playing in the field.īuxton is using just three of his five tools - hit, hit for power and run. If he continues to produce for another two to three weeks for the Saints, then the Twins will consider bringing him up.Īnd that would also signal that it's time for Buxton to return to the outfield to open the DH spot for Kirilloff or Trevor Larnach. 346 over his first seven games for Class AAA St. Buxton is coming off knee surgery last year, so they want to keep him in the lineup as much as possible.īut first baseman Alex Kirilloff, who is working his way back from a second wrist surgery last season, is getting close to a return.

The Twins have been cautious with the oft-injured Buxton, who last played 140 games in a season in 2017 - when Wolves star Anthony Edwards was 15. When that happens we'll have our first hint that he's preparing to leave his role as the designated hitter and bring his Platinum Glove-level defense to center field. Buxton has not done any outfield work since the season began. start and be nosy.Īt that time, there's always a group of players on the field getting in extra work, trying to get better.Įventually, Byron Buxton will appear in the outfield for early afternoon fly ball shagging.

One benefit of being a baseball beat writer is that you can arrive at the park around 2 p.m.

Kira buxton