Report From The Fort: A New Meaning for Buxton at DH

[John Bonnes]

Image courtesy of © Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

FORT MYERS - For years, when we saw Byron Buxton in the lineup as a designated hitter, it was bad news. It meant that Buxton and the team were trying to figure out some way (usually, futilely) to keep him healthy. 

This spring, Buxton has already been the designated hitter twice, including in Saturday’s game against the Red Sox, but now it’s good news. He’s playing designated hitter because he and the Twins are playing him in back-to-back games early this spring, so he’s ready for the World Baseball Classic.

“It's something we talked about when I first got down here,” said Buxton, who leaves the team on Sunday to join Team USA. “Feel good. Ready.”

He started preparing a month earlier than usual this offseason. He’s also already played in three back-to-back games this spring, even though it’s not yet March. That’s necessary because he wants to be ready for the competitive environment that is inherent in the WBC. But it’s also because he could be away from camp through March 17th if Team USA advances to the finals. 

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[weitz41]

I get it but the WBC makes this spring training a bit different the last one. Everything seem to be year by year in MLB lately, so it seems fair to limit to that now. He is expected to be part of the OF mix. Although your article may have legs, I think it is likely a bit early for it. In a few years sure

[PuckettProtector]

PPV; DR

[Jack Pine]

9 hours ago, PuckettProtector said:

PPV; DR

T-MOB

[Senior Softball Guy]

On 2/19/2026 at 9:00 AM, Mahoning said:

This argument is, "Send them out there to take their lumps," and it is a plausible one, as long as two or three of them don't also need surgery, and Bailey Ober gets some velocity back. It seems at odds with Tom Pohlad's pronouncement that they intend to compete this season. If Ober continues his regression, then you have Ryan, Woods-Richardson (whom I like), and then three of the four -- Abel, Bradley, Matthews, and Festa -- have to prove they are for real. That is a lot of hoping. Meanwhile, Zach Littell, who pitched 186 innings last year, would, presumably, be a lot cheaper than Giolito.

Littell is a solid "innings-eater" and would stabilize a rotation that will feature a lot of 5ish inning starts.

[David Maro]

How about the fact that he is now in his 30's and it may be wise to play him in the field a game or two less every week. Using him to DH for one or two games when not in the field will keep him engaged.