Byron Buxton Could Be Activated in the “Next Few Days”

[Cody Christie]

Byron Buxton is getting closer to a return, and the Minnesota Twins could have their star back in the lineup before the end of the week.

Buxton made meaningful progress Monday as he works his way back from a right hip impingement. Before the Twins faced the Orioles, he took batting practice on the field for the first time since landing on the injured list. He also ran the bases, giving the team another opportunity to see how his hip responds to baseball activities.

The next checkpoint comes Tuesday. If Buxton arrives at the ballpark feeling good after Monday's workload, there may not be much left for him to accomplish before returning to the active roster. The Twins do not currently expect him to need a Minor League rehab assignment.

"The plan is to see how he comes in tomorrow,” said general manager Jeremy Zoll. “We're just trying to get a sense of how he's recovering from all of the activities, and then hopeful for activation within the next few days."

Running Is the Biggest Test

Buxton wasn't pushing himself to full speed during Monday's running work, but he did make his way around all three bases. The goal was less about testing his top-end speed and more about seeing how the hip responded to the various movements required during a game.

That includes something as simple as slowing down or coming to a stop. Buxton said he has been paying particular attention to those movements because they were among the actions that caused problems when the hip issue first surfaced in May. Being able to run without discomfort will be one of the biggest indicators that he's ready to return.

He took time off around the All-Star break to rest the injury, but it didn't work.The Twins placed Buxton on the injured list again after the issue resurfaced. This time, he received an injection in the joint and stepped away from all baseball activities for more than a week.

That extended shutdown was designed to give the injury a chance to settle down rather than having Buxton immediately try to play through it again. Both the player and organization are hoping the additional recovery time will allow him to return at full strength for the remainder of the season.

Twins Need His Bat

Minnesota's offense has had difficulty putting together consistent production during the second half of the season. The Twins have needed more length throughout the lineup, and there are few additions that could provide a bigger boost than getting Buxton back.

The timing of his potential return is still somewhat up in the air. The Twins are scheduled to participate in the Field of Dreams game Thursday, which would make for a memorable setting for Buxton's return. However, bringing him back for that game could mean pushing the timeline more than necessary.

If he responds well to Tuesday's workout and continues progressing without any setbacks, a return sometime this weekend appears to be a more realistic possibility. For now, the Twins are simply waiting to see how Buxton's body responds. Monday represented a significant step forward. Tuesday could determine just how many steps remain.

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[dxpavelka]

Buxton in, Rhoden out?  Jenkins in, Martin out?  Or maybe a catcher?  Shock the world and keep Jackson over Caratini?  Both can play 1B and Jackson might be a better hitter.