Byron Buxton Exits Game Against Athletics Following Apparent Injury

Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton departed Tuesday night's game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, after suffering an apparent right hip injury during the bottom of the seventh inning.

The injury occurred with two outs when Buxton attempted to field a line drive hit into the right-center field gap by Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte. Buxton moved awkwardly while reaching down for the ball, missing it entirely as Bolte advanced to third base.

Following the play, Minnesota manager Derek Shelton and athletic trainer Jason Kirkman evaluated Buxton on the field while he held his right hip in visible discomfort. Buxton subsequently walked off the field under his own power.

The center fielder previously missed multiple weeks this season due to two separate stints on the injured list for right hip issues, a condition that has persistently bothered him since May. The latest ailment comes one night after Buxton went 3-for-5 with four runs scored in Minnesota's 9-6 victory over the Athletics on Monday, August 24, 2026.

Prior to his departure on Tuesday, Buxton was 0-for-3 at the plate. The team scheduled additional evaluations to determine the exact severity of the joint issue, according to Audra Martin of Twins.tv.

The Twins entered Tuesday's matchup with a 64-68 record following their series-opening win, which snapped a five-game road losing streak. The host Athletics stood at 51-81 overall and 19-39 at home coming into the contest.

Right-hander Taj Bradley took the mound for Minnesota, entering his 26th start of the season with a 9-5 record and a 3.90 ERA. Rookie left-hander Gage Jump started for the Athletics, carrying a 5-8 record and a 4.83 ERA into his 17th appearance of the year.