Twins brace for Buxton hip surgery, hold out hope for late-season return
Source: InForum Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
CHICAGO — The Minnesota Twins are preparing for the likelihood that Byron Buxton will undergo surgery on his right hip during the offseason, but they are not closing the door on a possible return before the campaign ends. The center fielder, who has been plagued by hip issues throughout the season, is currently focused on recovery rather than baseball activities, leaving the team in a delicate balancing act between playoff aspirations and long-term health.
“I think surgery is part of it,” manager Derek Shelton said when asked about Buxton’s offseason plans. “To be specific on what the surgery is, we can’t until we get to that point. I’m not going to speculate on that. We’ll see where he’s at over the next week, the next few days, wherever he’s at, and see how it improves. And then, when we have to make the determination on where he’s at, then we’ll do it from there.”
Buxton was placed on the injured list on August 30, but the team did not immediately rule him out for the remainder of the season. At that time, the hope was that he could still contribute down the stretch, especially as the Twins cling to postseason contention. Entering Friday’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota sat six games behind Chicago in the American League Central and three games out of the final wild card spot, chasing the Cleveland Guardians, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Baltimore Orioles.
While the Twins have maintained a sliver of optimism that Buxton could return to aid a playoff push, Shelton revealed on Friday that the 29-year-old is currently only engaged in recovery activities and has not yet begun any baseball-related drills. This marks the latest chapter in a frustrating season for Buxton, who has dealt with the same hip issue in 2021 and 2022. The problem first surfaced in May, leading to his first injured list stint of the year. He returned briefly, only to be sidelined again in July, then activated and placed back on the IL at the end of that month. After another comeback in mid-August, he lasted only a couple of weeks before the hip flared up again.
The All-Star’s most recent setback occurred on August 25 when he attempted to field a ground ball during a game against the Oakland Athletics. The sudden, sharp pain in his hip forced him to exit early. The Twins gave him a few days to see if the discomfort would subside, but ultimately placed him on the injured list when it did not. With just 21 games remaining after Friday’s contest, the window for a return is shrinking rapidly.
“The biggest component to this is the teammate that Buck is and his want to get back,” Shelton said. “We owe it to him to be able to explore all those options before we go down a different route.”
In other injury news, pitcher Joe Ryan played catch at Rate Field on Friday before the game. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday, after which the team will decide whether his next appearance will be in the majors or require another rehab start. “(We) want him to go through his bullpen and see where he’s at to make sure that we’re checking all the boxes before he gets back in a major league game,” Shelton noted.
On the mound for Saturday’s game against the White Sox, the Twins will send Taj Bradley (10-6, 3.85 ERA) to face left-hander Anthony Kay (9-7, 4.28).
Article commentary
Byron Buxton’s recurring hip troubles have become a defining narrative of the Twins’ season, and the decision to potentially undergo surgery underscores a broader dilemma faced by many teams with star players who are injury-prone. Buxton’s talent is undeniable—he is a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder and a dynamic offensive force when healthy. But his inability to stay on the field has limited his impact, and the Twins must now weigh short-term playoff hopes against long-term health. From a medical perspective, hip issues in athletes, especially those requiring surgery, can be complex. The fact that Buxton has already had problems with the same hip in three consecutive seasons suggests a chronic condition that may not fully resolve with rest alone. Surgery could offer a more permanent solution, but it also carries a recovery timeline that could extend into spring training or beyond. For a team that invested heavily in Buxton with a seven-year, $100 million contract extension in 2021, the stakes are high. Manager Derek Shelton’s cautious approach—refusing to speculate on the exact procedure while keeping the door open for a return—reflects a desire to maximize Buxton’s value without risking further damage. The Twins’ playoff odds, while slim, are not zero, and having Buxton in the lineup would provide a significant boost. However, the team’s history of rushing players back from injury has not always paid off, and there is a legitimate argument for shutting him down early to ensure he is fully recovered for 2026. The broader context of the Twins’ season also matters. Minnesota has struggled to find consistency, and the lack of depth in the outfield has been exposed in Buxton’s absence. The team’s reliance on him as a catalyst highlights the fragility of their roster construction. While Buxton’s desire to return is commendable, the organization must prioritize his long-term health over a short-term playoff push that may not materialize. Looking ahead, the Twins’ decision on Buxton’s surgery will likely set the tone for their offseason planning. If the procedure is as expected, the team will need to explore options to cover center field in 2026, either through free agency, trades, or internal development. The clock is ticking, and the next week will be critical in determining whether Buxton’s season ends on the field or in the operating room.