MINNEAPOLIS — The injury that has caused the Minnesota Twins to frequently rest star center fielder Byron Buxton is patella tendinitis in his right knee, which is painful and requires daily treatment. The injury hurts even more when he swings than when he sprints, although decelerating is also problematic.
Even before Buxton aggravated the injury with a slide into second base in Boston in April, the Twins discussed how to keep him healthy and at his best this season.
That's why manager Rocco Baldelli didn't use Buxton as a pinch hitter late in a close game against Cleveland on Saturday night, and why Baldelli plans to build rest days into Buxton's schedule the rest of the season.
