Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome right knee. The surgery aimed to alleviate the irritation caused by patellar tendinitis and get Buxton back on track to play center field next season. The president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey, confirmed that returning to center field is Buxton’s primary goal and the organization’s mission going into the offseason.
Falvey mentioned that the recovery timeline for Buxton is expected to be significantly shorter than the one following last year’s cleanup procedure. The team is hopeful that within a few short weeks, Buxton will be able to start moving around and undergo physical therapy in the offseason. Despite experiencing a challenging season from a physical standpoint, Buxton worked hard, and the Twins did everything they could to support his recovery.
During spring training, the Twins took a cautious approach with Buxton, slowly bringing him along. He initially started the regular season as the designated hitter due to his knee not improving enough. The team felt uncomfortable putting him in the outfield. Unfortunately, Buxton’s season was further hindered when he suffered a strained right hamstring, leading to his last appearance on August 1.
Throughout his career, Buxton has faced numerous injuries, preventing him from completing a full season without landing on the injured list. In 2017, he came the closest to a complete season, missing only two weeks due to a strained right groin muscle. That year, he played in 140 games and even won a Gold Glove. However, this remains the only season in which he surpassed 92 games played.
Despite his injury history, Buxton remains an integral part of the Twins’ plans moving forward. He recently signed a $100 million contract extension, with five years remaining. The Twins believe in Buxton’s potential and are committed to helping him overcome his injuries and contribute to the team’s success.
Buxton’s teammate and first baseman Alex Kirilloff is also set for surgery. Kirilloff will undergo a procedure to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder on October 24. He had initially been sidelined from July 30 to September 7 but managed to rehabilitate and return to play. Unfortunately, the pain worsened during the postseason, leading to his shutdown.
The Twins organization has a challenging task ahead in ensuring both Buxton and Kirilloff recover fully and are ready for the upcoming season. These surgeries and injuries have undoubtedly impacted the team’s performance, making it crucial for the players to receive proper care and rehabilitation during the offseason.
As the Twins prepare for the next season, they remain hopeful that Buxton will return to center field at full strength. His presence in the outfield and offensive prowess will undoubtedly be crucial for the team’s success. The organization is committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help Buxton overcome his injury hurdles and have a productive season.
The recent arthroscopic knee surgery marks another chapter in Byron Buxton’s injury-riddled career. Despite the setbacks, Buxton and the Minnesota Twins are determined to have him back in center field, showcasing his exceptional talent and contributing to the team’s progress. With the surgery complete, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation, recovery, and preparing for a successful return in the upcoming season.
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