Byron Buxton Leaves Game With Soreness In His Left Side

[Matthew Lenz]

Byron Buxton, in the midst of an MVP caliber season, has also been having the healthiest year of his career.

While we don't know a lot of information at this time, the Twins.TV broadcast reported that Buxton exited Saturday's game in the top of the seventh inning with soreness in his left side. Trevor Larnach replaced Buxton, which in turn shifted Willi Castro to left field and Harrison Bader to center field. There didn't seem to be any specific play that led to Buxton being pulled from the game. One silver lining is that it doesn't sound like it's a lower body injury, which has plagued Buxton for a majority of his career.

Buxton has been on a tear this year with an OPS of .951, including 23 home runs. He's added 17 stolen bases and continues to contribute platinum glove level defense. If he were to miss time, it would almost certainly force the Twins hand to sell their expiring contracts - something that has been rumored but to this point there's been just one report indicating a team is interested in one of those players.

Stay tuned to Twins Daily for updates on Buxton's status.

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[Mike Sixel]

Suuuuuuper. 

[tony&rodney]

Hopefully Buck is back to morrow or next series. Without Buxton, the White Sox will have a goal.

[TopGunn#22]

This soreness is a result of competing in the HR Derby.  Changing your swing to loft balls out of the stadium is never helpful.  Byron was clearly tired out after competing.  It just took a little while to manifest itself.