![\"Byron](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/MLB-Minnesota-Twins-at-Chicago-White-Sox-tagreuters-com2026newsml_mt1usatoday290633131614650973-scal.jpeg\")
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
The depth of the Minnesota Twins roster has been tested early all season, starting with the season-ending UCL injury Pablo Lopez<\/a> suffered during the team\u2019s first Spring Training practice of the year.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been the starting rotation hit the hardest my this year\u2019s injury bug. Most recently, however, all eyes have been on Byron Buxton\u2019s nagging hip injury<\/a>, which cost him a handful of games but did not<\/a> land him on injured reserve.<\/p>\n Thankfully, Buck returned to the MN Twins lineup last week, but only as a designated hitter. While the 32-year-old is itching to get back out to center field<\/a>, he\u2019s waiting patiently until manager Derek Shelton is comfortable putting his body at greater risk.<\/p>\n New Byron Buxton shoulder injury comes out of nowhere<\/p>\n And now, we are learning that Byron Buxton is dealing with more than just a hip injury (sore hip flexor). According to new information being disclosed by beat reporters like Dan Hayes (The Athletic)<\/a> Thursday morning, Minnesota\u2019s superstar is also dealing with a sore shoulder.<\/p>\n Nursing a sore but improving right hip flexor muscle, and apparently a bum right shoulder, too, Buxton was again limited to designated hitting duties Wednesday. In an attempt to help Buxton navigate the soreness and avoid a setback, the Twins largely have largely used him as their DH since he returned to the lineup more than a week ago.<\/p>\n While Buxton\u2019s hip is progressing nicely enough, Shelton identified the outfielder\u2019s throwing shoulder as a bigger reason he\u2019s been limited to DH.<\/p>\n Dan Hayes \u2013 The Athletic<\/a><\/p>\n Buxton has looked spry on the bases since returning to action on May 19<\/a>. Still, he\u2019s been limited to just a single game in center field. The MN Twins want him to be in a place where he can not only accelerate, but dial it back as well, before they give him full clearance.<\/p>\n With that being said, there are now questions over whether or not this new shoulder malady may pose a larger problem long-term than Buck\u2019s bad hip. Apparently, Byron\u2019s shoulder injury dates back to May 23<\/a>, when he slid into second base during a stolen base attempt.<\/p>\n His only start in center field came in Saturday\u2019s win at Boston, a game in which Buxton apparently dinged his shoulder sliding into second base on a pitch that was fouled off. After Wednesday\u2019s loss, Buxton was seen wearing an ice pack on his throwing shoulder in the visiting clubhouse.<\/p>\n Dan Hayes \u2013 The Athletic<\/a><\/p>\n Byron Buxton is dealing with a shoulder injury as well.<\/p>\n This is the play it happened on from Saturday’s game against Boston. pic.twitter.com\/YXPgo2Et5q<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ted (@tlschwerz) May 28, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n With Trevor Larnach at the plate, and his sliding mitt not yet on, Buxton took off. Unfortunately the pitch was fouled off, and his right shoulder jammed into the ground. Seeing it live, it looked awkward, and Buxton clearly took time gathering himself. He did stay in the game, and finish all nine innings.<\/p>\n Minnesota Twins continue to shuffle outfielders<\/p>\n With Buxton slotting in as the designated hitter, Derek Shelton has needed to use other players in center field. James Outman has been the primary choice, but his .167 average and .509 OPS<\/a> aren\u2019t workable even if he was playing stellar defense.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, Kody Clemens made his first professional start in center field. With nearly 6,000 innings<\/a> of baseball under his belt professionally, he had stood in center field for just one of them.<\/p>\n A right-handed hitting outfielder, with the ability to start in center, has been something the Twins have needed to prioritize for years. They are patching it together with Outman right now, but there\u2019s a really great opportunity<\/a> for a Kyler Fedko debut over the weekend.<\/p>\n Kyler Fedko just keeps hitting. pic.twitter.com\/hZYnLw6DVE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ted (@tlschwerz) May 27, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n It remains to be seen how long Byron Buxton is out of action defensively. He\u2019s ready to go, but hip and shoulder issues will have the Minnesota Twins playing the long game with their superstar.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Byron Buxton<\/a> Injury Updates<\/a> <\/p>\n More About:Minnesota Twins<\/a><\/p>\n Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google. \t\t\t![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/google_preferred_source_badge.png\"){kind=icon}
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