The Return of Byron Buxton is Finally Upon Us (Again)

The Minnesota Twins sent Byron Buxton across town at the beginning of September to play in some rehab games. He picked up a single and scaled some baseballs but then was taken out of action. The hip hurt again and the timeline became murky. After the Twins brought a couple of minor league prospects to Target Field this week, their stars were able to get live at bats in.

Now Buxton is ready to go, and with 16 games left, the hope is that he can provide a spark the rest of the way.

What do the Twins get from Byron Buxton?

Byron Buxton has been the Twins second most valuable player this season by fWAR. He has avoided the designated hitter route, and remained available to play centerfield on a daily basis. That is what Rocco Baldelli is looking for when he returns to the lineup on Friday.

Buxton has a 137 OPS+ this season which is the second highest tally of his career. In his last 46 games, dating back to June 7, the Twins centerfield has a slash line of .325/.388/.675 with 13 home runs. He is playing an expected exceptional level of defense while also being the best hitter in the lineup.

Matt Wallner has been among the lone productive hitters of late, but Royce Lewis seemed to snap out of a funk on Wednesday night. The Twins are still waiting for Jose Miranda to find himself again, and Carlos Correa remains shelved. The former could get hot at any time, and the latter suggested he will be back soon. If those things are to be believed, Minnesota is suddenly a dangerous team heading into the postseason.

Buxton is just three games shy from playing the second-most games of his career, and 10 more games will give him his second-ever 100 game season. It’s all great news for the Twins, and even better if there is staying power.