Byron Buxton is finally healthy for the Minnesota Twins. After multiple injuries to his right knee that limited him to only 382 plate appearances in 2022 and 347 in 2023, he is ready to play full-time again. Look for Buxton to play center field and to be one of the Twins’ leaders on the field.
If the Twins want to repeat as American League Central champions again in 2024, Buxton will be counted on to contribute.
Byron Buxton‘s Knee Issue
It turns out that Buxton’s knee issue was not his meniscus—as thought—but rather a thickening of tissue in the inner knee resulting from an improper development during the early years of his life. He had surgery and has been telling everyone he is pain-free and that puts his mind at ease. He is looking forward to a healthy 162-game season.
Spring Training 2024
Yes, we know it is only Spring Training, but Buxton is hitting .375 with two triples and a home run through six games. Overall, he is hitting the ball hard and playing center field as if he is already the starter. It certainly does not get much better than seeing him out there performing and doing it well. The Twins are in a much better position with him patrolling center field.
Very Aware
Buxton is finally healthy, and he is aware of his lengthy injury history. Ever since playing in 140 games in 2017, the most he has played in a single season was 92 games (2022). Certainly, if he remains healthy, the Twins will want to see at least 100 games from him. For the Twins to be at their best, Buxton needs to be in center field every day to showcase his speed and his defensive skills.
Byron Buxton did this in 2022. Not 2017. This is what he still is when remotely healthy. pic.twitter.com/IriMAsY3b8
— Nick Nelson (@NickNelsonMN) March 6, 2024
Health is Still an Issue for Byron Buxton
Buxton’s health is still an issue the Twins must consider. He is healthy now but could certainly miss time at some point during the season, either because of injury or to give him a few extra days off to prevent injury.
That is why the Twins added former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Manuel Margot to the roster. Margot played in 55 games in center field last season. They have also experimented with Willi Castro and Austin Martin in the outfield this spring. At the very least, this gives Castro and Martin some experience in case they need to play the outfield in 2024.
Put the Past Behind
Buxton wants to put the past behind him and forget. Stepping back onto the outfield grass has already been a big help—even if it is only Spring Training. “Everything physically we could ask for at this point, we’re getting from him,” manager Rocco Baldelli recently told the media. “His body is responding really well. It’s been a very positive camp.”
Byron Buxton catching a fly ball in CF. This is good. pic.twitter.com/FSlBaYy74e
— Jeff (@MNTwinsZealot) March 14, 2024
Big Development
Byron Buxton is finally healthy, and it will be a big development for the Twins if he can play consistently. It is clear to everyone on the team that since Spring Training started, he is ready to get back to playing.
Buxton is an All-Star and MVP candidate when he plays efficiently and effectively on offense and defense. If the Twins want to repeat as AL Central champions, a healthy Buxton certainly helps.
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