Byron Buxton out of Twins lineup for second straight day

Buxton is, however, available for Tuesday night's game against the Cubs.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (25) throws to the infield in the eighth inning of the game at Comerica Park in Detroit on July 27, 2024. / Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports

Byron Buxton is out of the Twins lineup for Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, the second day in a row he's been absent. Buxton is, however, listed as available for Tuesday's game.

Baldelli told reporters in Chicago that Buxton is working through some lower back stiffness. While he was unsure if Buxton would play Tuesday or Wednesday, Baldelli expects him to be ready to go for Friday's home doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians.

Buxton exited Sunday's win over the Chicago White Sox after colliding with the outfield wall at Target Field while making a leaping catch. The Twins announced following that game that Buxton had been medically cleared and that his removal from the contest was precautionary.

Buxton is hitting .276 with 14 homers and 46 RBIs this season and has been particularly good of late.

In other injury updates, Brooks Lee was scheduled to play short Tuesday but was moved to second due to a sore shoulder, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes.

Hayes also reports that Kyle Farmer will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul Tuesday, while Justin Topa will pitch an inning on Wednesday.

Austin Martin will take over in center field Tuesday against the Cubs, set for a 7:10 p.m. first pitch.

Pablo Lopez will get the start for the Twins.

Here's a look at the Twins lineup on Tuesday:

• Manny Margot, LF
• Carlos Santana, 1B
• Royce Lewis, DH
• Jose Miranda, 3B
• Willi Castro, SS
• Martin, CF
• Max Kepler, RF
• Christian Vazquez, C
• Brooks Lee, 2B