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The Minnesota Twins have reinstated star center fielder Byron Buxton from the 10-day injured list, the team announced. As a corresponding move, Minnesota has optioned infielder Tristan Gray to Triple-A St. Paul.
Minnesota placed Buxton on the injured list on July 7 due to a right hip strain he suffered after attempting to steal second base against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 5. Fans voted him into last Tuesday's All-Star Game as a starting outfielder, but he had to sit out due to his injury.
Meanwhile, Gray's demotion to Triple-A St. Paul is long overdue. In 182 plate appearances this season, Gray has slashed just .232/.271/.333. He has also struggled defensively at his primary position, recording -7 Outs Above Average and -6 Defensive Runs Saved in 263 innings at shortstop. Ryan Kreidler, who has a 106 wRC+ and +2 OAA at shortstop this year, is a much better option for the Twins at shortstop.
With Gray going down, one would assume that Brooks Lee is the backup shortstop in case Kreidler gets hurt mid-game. The move could also signal that top shortstop prospect Kaelen Culpepper will make his MLB debut this season. Culpepper is currently on the IL with a glute injury, but he could be promoted soon after being reinstated. Culpepper has hit .272/.376/.492 (122 wRC+) in 63 games with Triple-A St. Paul this season.
Byron Buxton's return comes during critical stretch for Twins
Getting Buxton back is a huge boost for the Twins. After Friday night's 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Minnesota held the third American League Wild Card spot.
But after dropping two straight games to the Cubs on Saturday and Sunday, Minnesota's record fell to 49-51. The Twins are now two games back of the Boston Red Sox, who have won 13 games in a row, for the third American League Wild Card spot. Minnesota is also just four games back of the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central.
So, the Twins are still in playoff contention but must perform well over the next couple of weeks ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Otherwise, the brass will be forced to sell.
Having Buxton back gives the Twins a much better chance of remaining in postseason contention. The center fielder has arguably been the Twins' best player this year. In 75 games, Buxton has been worth 2.9 fWAR with a .371/.328/.575 (146 wRC+) slash line and 25 home runs.
This article was originally published on puckettspond.com as Twins make long overdue demotion as Byron Buxton returns from IL.
