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Minnesota Twins Recall Byron Buxton, Santana to DL

By Michael McKee

Apr 21, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) scores on a sacrifice fly as Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) waits for the ball in the eighth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) scores on a sacrifice fly as Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) waits for the ball in the eighth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Twins have placed Danny Santana on the DL and have recalled Byron Buxton

The injury bug has bitten the Minnesota Twins once again. Danny Santana suffered a left hamstring strain in yesterday’s game and was placed on the 15 day disabled list.

In his place the Twins have recalled Byron Buxton. The 22 year old had 49 plate appearances to begin the season with Minnesota but struggled at the plate. In spite of his offensive woes, his defense remained very valuable. His presence in the outfield was sorely missed.

The Twins were able to get more offense out of the center field spot after demoting Buxton, but it came at a defensive cost.

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Even though Buxton has played in less than half of the team’s games, he remains the team leader in dWAR (defensive WAR) with 0.3. His fellow outfielders have all posted negative numbers and collectively have put up -1.9 dWAR.

By DRS (defensive runs saved), the story is similar. Buxton has 2 DRS while the other outfielders have posted -17 collectively.

Even if Buxton struggles to hit in his second stint, the outfield defense will be vastly improved. But Buxton has been hitting at a torrid pace since his demotion in AAA Rochester. In 127 plate appearances he’s mashed to a .333/.402/.605 slash line.

Byron has shown again that he has nothing left to gain from the minors. He needs to sink or swim against major leaguers. It’s not as if the Twins have a serious shot at competing this season either. They can afford to let Buxton take his lumps and grow. The key will be to take the pressure off and get him to relax. He’s not here to save the season. Keep the focus on learning and developing. It’s time to start looking ahead to future.

Next: Twins Ups and Downs

This is Danny Santana’s second stint on the DL this year. In early April he missed time—also due to a hamstring strain (his right that time).

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