Center fielder Byron Buxton returns to Twins' lineup
The Minnesota Twins (30-37, third in AL Central) are scheduled to begin a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers (27-39, fourth in AL Central) at Comerica Park tonight. Notably, Buxton is back in the lineup, playing center field and batting leadoff. Buxton, who has slashed .257/.319/.549 (136 wRC+) with 18 home runs this season, hasn't played since exiting Friday night's win against the Kansas City Royals due to injuring his shoulder when slamming into the wall to make a spectacular catch in the third inning.
Here is Byron Buxton's (spectacular) 3rd inning catch Friday night... which ended in a collision with the center field wall.
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 6, 2026
Buck finished the half-inning, but was pulled by Twins manager Derek Shelton when he reported pain in his right shoulder back in the dugout.
VIDEO… pic.twitter.com/xsGuvfkjnO
Pitchers Mick Abel, Kendry Rojas take big steps
The Athletic's Dan Hayes provided encouraging updates on Abel and Rojas Tuesday afternoon; Abel is scheduled to throw three innings or 50 pitches in a rehab start for Triple-A St. Paul in Toledo on Wednesday, and Rojas is scheduled to throw a bullpen.
DETROIT — Byron Buxton is back in #MNTwins and in center field.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) June 9, 2026
Mick Abel is scheduled for 3 innings, 50 pitches tomorrow in Toledo.
Kendry Rojas will throw a bullpen tomorrow, roughly 25 pitches.
Abel threw 37 pitches in a two-inning live batting practice at Target Field on Thursday afternoon, per Hayes. His fastball reached 97 mph during the session. The right-hander hasn't pitched in a game since April 14.
With Ober expected to miss the entire month due to a mild right flexor strain, Abel's return will provide a much-needed boost to the rotation. In four starts this season, Abel posted a 3.98 ERA with 23 strikeouts across 20 1/3 innings. He threw 13 scoreless innings over his last two outings before landing on the IL.
Meanwhile, Rojas has been a valuable bulk reliever for Minnesota this year, posting a 1.26 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings. The left-hander has also made one start for the Twins this year, hurling four scoreless innings against the Houston Astros at Target Field on May 18. Given the large quantity of injuries Minnesota's rotation has already endured in 2026, the club could really use Rojas on its staff to give its starters more rest.
RP Cole Sands suffers setback
Sands has been on the IL since May 2 due to a right forearm strain. The right-hander began a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul last week, but, unfortunately, the Twins halted it because he wasn't recovering enough, according to Hayes.
Cole Sands has been returned on his Triple-A rehab, meaning it has been stopped. He wasn’t recovering enough to continue pitching. Back to rest/recovery/treatment mode for now. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) June 9, 2026
Sands made one appearance during his rehab, throwing a perfect inning with a strikeout. In 12 games with the Twins this season, Sands owns a 4.63 ERA with 11 strikeouts and four walks over 11 2/3 innings.
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