Byron Buxton has had a strong season overall, slashing .256/.321/.515 (130 wRC+) with 25 home runs. Unfortunately, a hip issue has derailed his season a bit.
The Twins placed Buxton on the injured list with a right hip strain on July 7. Minnesota activated him on July 20, then placed him back on the IL with a right hip impingement on July 29. The Twins reinstated the center fielder from the IL on Aug. 13.
Buxton has hit just .180/.286/.213 (45 wRC+) with no home runs, two doubles and one RBI over 70 plate appearances since being activated from his first IL stint. It seems obvious Buxton has been playing through discomfort lately.
Buxton went 3-for-5 with a double, a walk and a run in Monday night's 9-6 victory over the Athletics, which is a great sign for the struggling star. Hopefully, it's a sign his season will get back on track.
Twins CF Byron Buxton's hip issue could cost him Silver Sluggar award
Still, Buxton's hip issue has clearly hurt his season. Heading into the All-Star break, Buxton seemed like a clear frontrunner to win an AL Silver Slugger award. But now that he's missed some time and has struggled lately, Buxton's odds of winning the prestigious award are much lower.
Last year, Buxton won his first career Silver Slugger award after slashing .264/.327/.551 (137 wRC+) with 35 home runs and 83 RBI across 126 games. He has still posted strong offensive numbers this year, so he has a decent chance to win his second straight Silver Slugger award. But if he doesn't improve his performance, or if he lands on the IL again, it's hard to imagine the center fielder will earn the award this year.
If the season ended today, Buxton would have a strong chance of winning a Silver Slugger Award even though he hasn't hit a home run in over a month. For reference, three AL outfielders win the award each season.
Among all American League outfielders with at least 400 plate appearances, Buxton ranks third in wRC+ (130), tied with Mike Trout and Chase DeLauter. Ahead of those three are Randy Arozarena (144 wRC+) and Dominic Canzone (131 wRC+). Buxton also ranks first in home runs (25) among all AL outfielders.
How the final month of the season unfolds will ultimately decide the outfield Silver Slugger race. If Buxton returns to form, he will likely be one of the outfielders to win the award. If his hip continues to hinder his performance, it's doubtful the center fielder will repeat as a Silver Slugger award winner.
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