Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was carted off of the field during an intrasquad simulated game on Monday after collapsing to the ground while chasing a fly ball.
Buxton, whose brief career has already been interrupted by injuries multiple times, appeared to have gotten his cleat stuck into the grass while reaching to make the catch off of a Nelson Cruz fly ball.
He underwent tests and diagnostic evaluations after being carted off the field, but the initial word from the club’s manager indicates that the team may have dodged a bullet.
Manager Rocco Baldelli said that tests revealed that Buxton had not suffered any major structural damage after an MRI and x-rays. However, considering the amount of pain which he was in, it is possible that he suffered some type of sprain.
Buxton, who is considered to be one of the fastest players in the game and a top-tier defensive outfielder, had a breakout season at the plate in 2019. He batted .262 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI in only 89 games played. He did, however, miss almost half of his team’s games due to shoulder, head, and wrist injuries.
The Twins did not provide any initial word as to how much time Buxton will miss, but his status for Opening Day on July 24th does seem to be in question.
