Twins optioning Carson McCusker; will Byron Buxton be back in Seattle?

The Minnesota Twins are optioning outfielder Carson McCusker to Triple-A St. Paul, signaling someone — likely center fielder Byron Buxton or right fielder Matt Wallner — is set to return from injury ahead of their upcoming series in Seattle.

Buxton has been on the concussion injured list since colliding with Carlos Correa, who also had a stint on the concussion IL but has since returned, during a game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 15. Buxton traveled with the team for their recent road trip, which continues with a three-game series against the Mariners that begins on Friday night in Seattle.

Wallner is in the midst of a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Saints as he works his way back from a hamstring strain that's sidelined him since April 17. He's played four games in St. Paul, and could be in for a longer rehab stint following his extended absence. According to SKOR North's Declan Goff, it's Buxton who's expected to rejoin the team on Friday.