Buxton Battles Back: Spectacular Catch Highlights Cautious Return
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Byron Buxton broke in, sprinting toward shallow right-center field before laying out for a spectacular catch. Off the bat, he didn’t think he had a chance to grab Freddy Fermin’s fly ball on Friday night. But as he got closer, he realized he had a better opportunity than he initially thought.
“He was moving,” manager Derek Shelton said.
The catch became the latest in a long line of web gems for the Twins center fielder. But perhaps more importantly, it was a sign of his physical capabilities. Buxton is still not playing at 100% after coming back from his second stint on the injured list with a hip injury, but he has shown off his speed and mobility selectively.
“(It) comes and goes. Good days, bad days,” Buxton said of how he feels physically. “It’s not a time of year to be worried about that for me. Just one of those where (you) take it one day at a time, for sure.”
For him, it’s mostly a balance: trying to play it smart while the Twins are in a battle for a playoff spot while also realizing when it’s time to push it to get to a fly ball or beat out a grounder. That, he said, is something that he lets the game dictate for him.
“Obviously the biggest thing for me is being on the field,” he said. “If I hit one at 110 (miles per hour), I ain’t about to run 95 (percent) down the line. Like that’s stupid. Pick and choose the times to go.”
Buxton returned from the injured list on Aug. 13 in time for the Field of Dreams game without going on a rehab assignment. It hasn’t been seamless offensively upon his return — entering Sunday, he was hitting .107 in eight games since returning with one extra-base hit and one RBI.
“It is what it is,” he said. “Battle every day.”
Shelton, a former longtime hitting coach, said he thought it looked like Buxton was a little bit in between right now.
“I think he’s trying to find his timing, and that is very natural when you don’t send a guy out on a rehab that you have to work back into it,” Shelton said. “That’s just a timing issue there.”
But, importantly, Buxton has started all but one game since returning and came in late off the bench in the one game he did not start. The Twins have faith that the all-star center fielder will turn it around offensively.
“There’s the trust,” Shelton said. “He’s going to figure it out.”
Buxton’s hip injury first sidelined him in late June, and he returned for a brief stretch before landing back on the IL in July. The Twins have been cautious with their franchise player, mindful of his history of injuries. Yet the team’s playoff push leaves little room for patience. Every game matters, and the Twins need Buxton’s bat as much as his glove.
His defensive contributions have been undeniable. Even at less than full strength, Buxton covers ground that few outfielders can. The diving catch against Kansas City reminded everyone of his value. But the offensive struggles are a concern. A .107 batting average over eight games is far from the production the Twins expected from a player who was an All-Star this season.
Buxton’s approach remains pragmatic. He knows his body better than anyone, and he is determined to stay on the field. The Twins have no plans to send him on a rehab assignment now; they are counting on game action to sharpen his timing. Shelton’s confidence is rooted in Buxton’s track record of overcoming slumps. The question is how long the adjustment period will last and whether the Twins can afford to carry a struggling hitter in the middle of a tight playoff race.
Article commentary
Byron Buxton’s return from the injured list has been a mixed bag: vintage defensive brilliance paired with offensive rust. The diving catch on Friday night was a reminder of why he’s one of the most exciting players in baseball, but his .107 batting average over eight games underscores the challenge of returning from a hip injury without a rehab assignment. The Twins’ decision to skip a rehab stint was a calculated risk. Buxton wanted to be on the field for the Field of Dreams game, and the team’s playoff ambitions meant they couldn’t afford to wait. But that choice has left Buxton playing catch-up at the plate. Timing is everything in hitting, and missing nearly two months of live at-bats is a steep hurdle. Manager Derek Shelton, a former hitting coach, recognizes the issue but trusts Buxton’s ability to adjust. Buxton’s injury history adds another layer of complexity. He has never played a full season, and every setback raises questions about his long-term durability. The hip injury is particularly concerning because it affects his explosiveness, which is the foundation of his game. Yet Buxton has proven time and again that he can perform at an elite level when healthy. The Twins are walking a tightrope between pushing him to contribute and protecting him from further damage. From a broader perspective, Buxton’s situation highlights a recurring dilemma in modern baseball: the tension between a player’s desire to compete and the organization’s need to manage risk. The Twins are in a playoff race, and every game feels like a must-win. Buxton’s presence on the field, even at 80%, is better than any alternative they have. But his offensive struggles could become a liability if they persist. The key will be Buxton’s ability to find his rhythm without overexerting himself. He has shown restraint, picking his spots to run hard and letting the game dictate his effort level. That discipline is encouraging, but it also means he might not be the same dynamic force he was earlier in the season. Ultimately, the Twins are betting on Buxton’s talent and resilience. Shelton’s trust is not blind; it is based on years of watching Buxton overcome adversity. The next few weeks will determine whether that faith is rewarded or if the team will need to adjust its expectations. For now, Buxton remains a captivating figure, capable of turning a game with a single swing or a diving catch. The question is how often he can deliver those moments while managing his body. The answer will likely define the Twins’ postseason hopes.