Byron Buxton placed on 10‑day IL with hip injury, complicating Twins' trade plans

Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton was placed on the 10‑day injured list on Wednesday due to a right hip impingement. The injury forced him back onto the roster after a brief seven‑game return from an earlier hip strain that had kept him out of the All‑Star Game.

Buxton, who is batting .263 with 25 home runs this season, suffered the setback during a game against the Kansas City Royals. The timing worsens Minnesota's roster dilemma as the club hovers at a 54‑54 record, trailing the AL Central leader and the wild‑card race with the August 3 trade deadline approaching. General manager Jeremy Zoll indicated the team is evaluating options, but losing its star outfielder alters the trade math.

Following the IL move, the Twins recalled utilityman Tristan Gray from Triple‑A St. Paul, shifting Ryan Kreidler into the outfield. The injury adds uncertainty to the Twins' ability to pursue external reinforcements before the deadline.