The Minnesota Twins announced on March 10, 2024, that All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton is classified as day-to-day due to cartilage irritation in his rib cage. This update follows his early exit from the game against the Washington Nationals on March 9, when Buxton experienced discomfort while running.
An MRI conducted on March 10 confirmed the irritation in Buxton’s cartilage, providing some relief to the team and its fans. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli expressed optimism regarding the situation, stating, “It’s a good outcome. We’ll see how he is tomorrow and so on, but to be day-to-day with what he left the game with, it’s a good thing.” This assessment indicates that while Buxton is dealing with an injury, the prognosis is more positive than initially feared.
Buxton’s Season Performance and Impact
At 31 years old, Buxton has been a key player for the Twins this season. He boasts a batting average of .282, alongside 23 home runs and an OPS of .905, underscoring his significant contributions to the team’s offensive lineup. His ability to bounce back quickly will be crucial as the Twins look to maintain momentum in their season.
Buxton’s health will be closely monitored in the coming days, as the Twins prepare for their next game. The team remains hopeful that he will be able to return to the field soon, given the positive MRI results and Baldelli’s encouraging remarks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Buxton progresses.
As the Twins navigate this injury, they will rely on their depth to fill any potential gaps in the lineup. Buxton’s absence would be felt, but the team’s resilience and strategy will be tested as they aim to continue their competitive performance this season.