Minnesota Twins Veteran Pushing His Way Back From Injury as Playoffs Near

Minnesota Twins slugger Byron Buxton is set to resume his rehab assignment on Thursday as he pushes to be part of the plans for the playoffs.

The Minnesota Twins enter play on Thursday at 81-72 this season. They are 9.0 games up in the American League Central and have the division all but wrapped up.

But while their playoff fate appears to be sealed, the roster and lineup for the playoffs certainly is not.

The team hopes that veteran slugger Byron Buxton can be part of its playoff run this season and it got some good news on Thursday regarding Buxton and his rehab for his ailing knee.

Per Aaron Gleeman of 'The Athletic.'

Byron Buxton will re-start a rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A St. Paul. He's expected to start at designated hitter. Would be his first game action since pausing his initial rehab assignment on September 1. Saints' season ends Sunday.

Byron Buxton will re-start a rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A St. Paul.

He's expected to start at designated hitter. Would be his first game action since pausing his initial rehab assignment on September 1.

Saints' season ends Sunday.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) September 21, 2023

Buxton was shut down from his initial rehab assignment and then was given a cortisone shot. If all goes well in this rehab, he could return before the end of the Twins' regular season and could be a factor in the playoffs.

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.

The Twins host the Angels on Friday night at Target Field.

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