Twins set to activate Byron Buxton before Friday game against Reds
- Byron Buxton has been out since August 13 due to right hip inflammation.
- He will be activated from the injured list before Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.
- His return is crucial for the Twins as he has had a significant impact on the team's performance this season.
The Minnesota Twins are set to activate outfielder Byron Buxton from the 10-day injured list before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Buxton has been recovering from right hip inflammation, which has kept him sidelined since August 13. Manager Rocco Baldelli confirmed the activation following the team's victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. To accommodate Buxton's return, utility player Austin Martin will be optioned to Triple-A St. Paul. Buxton began a rehab assignment with St. Paul on September 2, participating in two games before experiencing a recurrence of his injury. This week, he engaged in pregame hitting sessions off minor league pitchers at Target Field, indicating progress in his recovery. Alongside him, shortstop Carlos Correa, who has been out since July 16 due to plantar fasciitis, has also been working towards a return. This marks the second time this season that Buxton has been placed on the injured list, having previously missed 23 games earlier in the year due to right knee inflammation. Overall, he has missed 28 games due to the current injury. Despite these setbacks, the 30-year-old has managed to play 90 games this season, and with two more games, he would match his second-highest total for games played in a season, behind the 140 games he played in 2017. Buxton's performance this season includes a batting average of .275, with 16 home runs and 49 RBIs. His return is anticipated to bolster the Twins' lineup as they continue their season, highlighting the importance of his contributions when healthy.