There's no nice way to put it, the Minnesota Twins got absolutely pummeled on Tuesday.
For the second straight night the Baltimore Orioles hammered Minnesota's pitching, this time cooking Chris Paddack for nine earned runs in just over five innings. The beating didn't stop until the final score was 11-3, but there was at least one point in between that had Twins fans smiling.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, and the game already pretty much out of reach, Byron Buxton turned in another Web Gem catch to rob Ryan O'Hearn and keep at least one run off the board.
Byron Buxton gave Twins fans something to cheer about with another highlight reel catch
It's the second time this year that Buxton has made this kind of a highlight reel play, and both times have been sights for sore eyes. He made a diving catch against the Los Angeles Dodgers, also in a game the Twins lost, and continues to make a statement that he is fully back from all that ailed him the past few seasons.
Buck is unbelievable!!!! pic.twitter.com/LqvdJmg7nF
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 17, 2024
Buxton had missed nearly 600 games of defensive work, with his last start in centerfield before Opening Day being all the way back in August 2022. Last season was particularly brutal for Buck, as he battled injuries and gnarly offensive slumps that made it one of the worst years of his career.
Injuries have been part of his narrative throughout his career, something he boldly clapped back against at TwinsFest this winter when he declared himself back. It was music to the ears of fans who have long waited to see him return to All-Star form, but seeing it play out has been even better.
Not much has gone right for the Twins this season, as the team is off to a 6-11 start and injuries have chewed through the roster like termites in an old cabin up north. Buxton has been spared, though, and he's making the most out of seemingly being as healthy as we've seen him in years.
It's truly a sight for sore eyes, and something fans desperately need to distract themselves from everything else that is going wrong.