Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome right knee. The procedure was done with the goal of alleviating the irritation associated with patellar tendinitis and getting Buxton back to his position in center field next season. The team’s president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey, expressed optimism about Buxton’s recovery and return to form, emphasizing that it is their mission to help him achieve this goal during the offseason.
Compared to the cleanup procedure Buxton had on his knee last year, the recovery timeline for this recent surgery is expected to be much shorter. Falvey revealed that they hope Buxton will be able to start moving around again and undergo physical therapy in just a few weeks. Recognizing that this season was not what Buxton had hoped for physically, Falvey commended the hard work Buxton put in and expressed the team’s commitment to providing him with the best support possible.
Buxton’s knee issues prevented him from starting the regular season in the outfield, and he began as the designated hitter instead. Despite efforts to improve his condition, his knee did not progress enough for the team to feel comfortable putting him in the outfield. Buxton’s last game was on August 1, when he suffered a strained right hamstring. However, he was added to the roster as an injury replacement for the AL Division Series against the Houston Astros, making a pinch-hitting appearance in the Game 4 loss.
Buxton’s career has been plagued by injuries and periods spent on the injured list. The 29-year-old outfielder, who will turn 30 on November 29, has five years remaining on his $100 million contract. Since his major league debut in 2015 as the second overall pick in the 2012 amateur draft, Buxton has never completed a full season without landing on the injured list. In his most extensive season in 2017, he managed to play in 140 games and won a Gold Glove award. However, in 2023, Buxton played in only 85 games, batting .207 with 17 home runs and 42 RBIs.
Teammate’s Surgery
In addition to Buxton’s surgery, the Twins’ first baseman, Alex Kirilloff, is scheduled for an operation on October 24 to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Kirilloff was sidelined from July 30 to September 7 but was able to rehabilitate and return to play. Unfortunately, the pain worsened during the postseason, forcing him to shut down.
As the offseason approaches, the Minnesota Twins are focused on the recovery and rehabilitation of Byron Buxton. They are hopeful that the arthroscopic surgery will successfully address the patellar tendinitis and enable Buxton to return to center field for the next season. The team acknowledges the challenges Buxton has faced with injuries throughout his career and is committed to supporting him in his journey towards a healthier and more productive future on the field. With surgery scheduled for Alex Kirilloff as well, the Twins are faced with further challenges ahead, but they remain determined to overcome them and field a strong team in the next season.
Leave a Reply