Twins place slugger Byron Buxton back on IL with hip injury

Byron Buxton. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Twins place slugger Byron Buxton back on IL with hip injury

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 30, 2026 1:47 PM ET

Byron Buxton just can't seem to steer clear of the injured list. The Minnesota Twins have placed the outfielder back on the IL with a right hip impingement, which is the same injury that had him on the IL previously this season.

In a corresponding move they have recalled Gabriel Gonzalez from Triple-A St. Paul. With Buxton's injury history this season, the Twins are better off not having him return this season. General manager Jeremy Zoll speculated that Buxton may require surgery in the offseason, per Aaron Gleeman.

The slugger could have been a vital weapon for the team but the Twins have now fallen to four games out of a final AL-wild card spot.

Buxton is eligible to return in seven days, but it remains unclear if he will be ready to return at that point.

Shelton: Byron Buxton (hip) to be placed on IL, via @AzoulayHaron.
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 30, 2026

Injury bug strikes again for Byron Buxton

The 32-year-old reaggravated his right hip Tuesday night against the Athletics as he was attempting to grab a ball in the outfield. It marks his third IL stint this season, as he was first placed on the IL on July 7, then July 29 and now Aug. 30.

Buxton has sported a .254 batting average with 25 home runs, 46 RBI, seven stolen bases and an .829 OPS this season. Rookie Walker Jenkins will likely be placed in center field in Buxton's absence.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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