Twins Injury Update: Latest on Byron Buxton; Cole Sands, David Festa surgeries

Byron Buxton receives injection for injured hip

The Twins placed center fielder Byron Buxton on the injured list with a right hip impingement on Wednesday. Minnesota removed the center fielder from Tuesday night's game due to his hip issue.

Buxton had already been on the IL for his hip injury earlier this month. Since he returned last week, he has collected just four hits in 25 at-bats.

According to manager Derek Shelton, Buxton had an injection from Dr. Christopher Larson. It's unclear what type of injection the center fielder received.

The fact that the Twins called up journeyman infielder Tristan Gray over one of their top prospects proves the club is hopeful that Buxton won't be sidelined for long. But since this is his second IL stint due to his hip issue, and he struggled after returning last week, there are reasons to be concerned about the center fielder's health.

Cole Sands to undergo elbow surgery

Twins right-handed reliever Cole Sands will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies and bone spurs from his throwing elbow, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. He will also get a platelet-rich plasma injection. The right-hander is likely done for the season.

Sands made just 12 appearances this year before landing on the injured list in late April. He began a rehab assignment in early June, but had to pause it because he still hadn't recovered enough. He began another rehab assignment earlier this month and was reinstated from the IL on July 26.

Sands made just one appearance after returning from the IL. Against the Athletics on Sunday, Sands allowed five earned runs on three hits, one walk and a hit batter in one-third of an inning. He clearly didn't look like himself.

David Festa undergoes Thoracic Outlet Surgery

Festa had been on the IL all season. According to The Athletic's Dan Hayes, the right-hander underwent surgeries on his shoulder and pectoral muscle to address a shoulder impingement and alleviate symptoms of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

Minnesota placed Festa on the injured list in late July 2025 due to right shoulder inflammation. He appeared on track to return later in the year, beginning a rehab assignment in late August, but he suffered a compressed nerve that ended his season.

While it initially seemed like Festa wasn't dealing with TOS, it appears he has been lately. Festa suffered his right shoulder impingement in spring training, prompting the Twins to place him on the IL.

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