Twins outfielder Byron Buxton walks out with apparent injuries

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton left Friday’s game after sliding to second base in the first inning. Buxton, who hit the ground at the bottom of his slide, was able to get off the field under his own power but was replaced by a pinch runner after hitting a leadoff double.

Buxton, who signed an stimulus-laden $100 million extension in November, has a long injury history. He missed over two months in 2021 with a hip strain, then was struck by bad luck on his return that broke his finger and kept him away for another two months.

In 61 games last season, Buxton amassed 4.5 WAR, the most by a player who has played fewer than 70 games since 1900.

Including the double in the first inning, Buxton is 6-for-24 to start the season with three homers and three doubles.

(Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)