Minnesota Twins Give Injury Updates on Additional Key Pieces, Including Leading Starting Pitcher

As the Minnesota Twins seek to wrap up the American League Central title, they are closing in on getting back Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton from the injured list.

As the Minnesota Twins seek to wrap up the American League Central crown this season, they look like they'll have the help of multiple key players who could return soon from the injured list.

On the same day that they announced negative news about Willi Castro heading to the injured list, they announced positive news about both Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan.

The following update on Buxton comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said Tuesday that Buxton (hamstring) is getting better but will need to go on a rehab assignment before returning, John Shipley of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

ANALYSIS
Buxton has been on the injured list since Aug. 4 with right hamstring tightness. Although his return doesn't seem to be imminent, it's a good sign to hear that he's trending upward. A clearer timeline for Buxton's activation will likely come once he begins his assignment, but a late-August return is certainly possible.

It has been a frustrating season - and career - for Buxton, who has had all kinds of trouble staying healthy.

He's in his ninth year in the big leagues, all with the Twins, and has played more than 100 games just once. He also missed 21 games in the shortened COVID season.

He's hitting just .207 this year with 17 homers and 42 RBI.

When healthy, he's one of the most talented players in baseball and he made the All-Star team in 2022.

As for Ryan:

Ryan (groin) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to embark on a rehab assignment within the next few days, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

ANALYSIS
Ryan's session reportedly went well, and the start date of his rehab assignment will depend on how he's feeling Wednesday. The Twins haven't indicated how long they plan on keeping Ryan on assignment, but a multiple-start trip would keep him out until at least late August.

Ryan is 9-8 on the season and he owns a 4.43 ERA.

The Twins take on the Tigers on Wednesday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Minnesota leads the Guardians by 4.5 games in the AL Central race.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.