UPDATE
Buxton’s running test went well on Monday, with the speedy center fielder telling the team’s website that he’s “ready to go.”
The Twins, however, are going to take things a little bit slower.
“We’re a little worried about the explosiveness and pushing off, and getting to balls in the gap,” manager Paul Molitor said. “Tomorrow, if he responds well to what he did today, in addition to doing some hitting during BP, we’ll try to have him run the bases. I think that’s another hurdle we have to get over before he’s ready to play.”
If Buxton passes that test the Twins could either put him back in the lineup straight away or let him get some at-bats in a rehab assignment.
Original story
Monday is a big day for Twins center fielder Byron Buxton as finds out how much pain his broken big toe causes him when he runs.
Buxton suffered a hairline fracture to the big toe on his left foot when he fouled a ball off it during a rehab game on April 23. The Twins say he tried running on Friday but then had to take the weekend off.
Buxton hasn’t had issues with the toe when he hits, just when he runs, which is a huge part of his game in center field and on the base paths.
“I think everyone’s looking forward to the day when you see his name back in the lineup,” Twins manager Paul Molitor said. “As always, you try to use the best judgment you can for the player and for the team.”
The last time the Twins played with Buxton in the lineup was April 12. But three straight snow-outs against the White Sox followed by migraine headaches and now the broken toe have kept Buxton out for nearly a month now.
It’s also possible that the Twins send Buxton to Triple-A Rochester for a couple of rehab games, which would only delay his return further.
Regardless of what Buxton does at the plate, it’s his defense the Twins miss the most.
Buxton’s speed and strong arm have been replaced by Max Kepler, while Robbie Grossman – a much slower outfielder – has replaced Kepler in right field.
Buxton has played in only 11 games this season, hitting .195 in 43 plate appearances.
