I would be concerned about Paparesta’s statement about Buxton being ready to play, come hell or high water.
That said, my view is to ramp up Buxton an inning or two at a time, yes in center field, for the rest of the regular season. Then send him out there for Game 1, batting sixth.
If it turns out he’s the good Buxton, no regrets. And it will shut up the naysayers like me. This was the whole point of letting him take it easy in the first place. Sitting him for the playoffs or leaving him off the roster does nothing but keep feeding the unhealthy speculation. I have no idea if Buxton can play in the field 9 innings three days in a row, but I would like to find out. Maybe he DH’s the middle game.