Byron Buxton Pulled from Saints Game with Knee Soreness

Byron Buxton has been trying to work his way back from a hamstring injury, playing both center field and designated hitter for the St. Paul Saints, the past few days. But after two at-bats as DH on Friday night — both of which ended in strikeouts — Buxton was pulled from the Saints lineup because of soreness in his patellar tendon (knee).

Byron Buxton experienced soreness in the patella tendon of his right knee on Friday, and was removed from Saints' game after two at-bats as DH, a Twins spokesman says. Team will evaluate and update his condition on Saturday.

— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) September 2, 2023

Byron Buxton’s body hates him.

Buxton’s body continues to betray him and it’s one of the saddest thing I’ve watched in my 30+ years as a Minnesota sports fan. His career path is almost too Minnesota to be real. But he’s not the first Twins talent to have his bright blossoming career ruined by health issues. Joe Mauer (concussions), Francisco Liriano (elbow) and Justin Morneau (concussions) all fell victim before him.

Hopefully, I’m writing Byron Buxton’s professional eulogy too soon but it’s getting more and more difficult to see his baseball future in a positive light. We’ll see if this means the end to any hopes that Buck plays center field, come playoff time. If so, postseason lineups could get tricky.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan