Twins center fielder Byron Buxton is getting closer to rejoining the Twins.
Buxton began a rehab assignment in low-A Ceder Rapids on Sunday, collecting a double, walk and a strikeout as a designated hitter. He’s expected to play in the outfield on Monday.
The center fielder has been sidelined since Aug. 3 after he hurt his shoulder trying to make a catch. It’s the second stint on the injured list for Buxton, as he also missed time with concussion-like symptoms in June.
“I think we’re happy to see Buck finally getting back out there,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said to MLB.com Saturday. “The rehab went great. He healed up well. Obviously not completely out of the woods yet because we want to see him get out there, run around and be able to take part in game action and everything that entails.”
There’s now a chance Buxton will be activated before Minnesota’s three-game series against the Chicago White Sox beginning Tuesday.
In 82 games this season, Buxton is slashing .262/.314/.513 with 10 home runs, 46 RBI and 14 stolen bases. But it’s his defense the Twins miss greatly, as Max Kepler has had to shift from right field to center field.
If Buxton is activated, it could mean Jake Cave, who has three homers in his last two games, is headed back to Triple-A Rochester.
