In a game against the Texas Rangers on August 22, 2022, Byron Buxton last played centre field. Then, he pretended to be a designated hitter for the entirety of 2023—something he was not very good at. But on April 4, 2024, during the Twins’ fourth spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies, 554 days after he left his hometown, he made his way back to the outfield.
As everyone recalls, Buxton played just as a designated hitter in the previous season, making 85 appearances while hitting.207 with 17 home runs. Even playing in the postseason as DH, he failed to make the kind of impression that he usually did.
Buxton’s excursion was brief. He played in the field for four innings and batted twice (0-2). But there was one notable thing that happened. Trea Turner, the shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies, hit a ball toward Buxton, but it was not a catch that would have been conventional or even near to it.
Byron Buxton demonstrates his increasing maturity in the outfield
Hence, Buxton displayed discipline and chose not to jeopardize life and limb by letting the ball sail over his head instead of diving and trying to make a spectacular play that nobody would remember (today’s game wasn’t even on TV), risking injury on his first time back out in centre.
Is this something that’s happening? Has Byron Buxton finally come to the conclusion that, in a 162-game season, his health is more important than an out or two runs? Huge if accurate. The majority of us have long since realized that losing Buxton for an extended length of time is not worth it for a highlight reel catch.
Can Buxton play centre field for the Minnesota Twins safely?
However, Buck hasn’t always been like that; for a considerable amount of time, he didn’t give up on his careless outfield tactics. Byron will still have to make decisions about when and how much to endanger his body, even in the regular season.
Naturally, every play Buxton makes in the centre will involve varying degrees of risk. He won’t be at much risk during the majority of them. Run in different directions, catch the ball, and return it to the infield. There are some that will demand more work, but they shouldn’t cause harm.
Outfielders will often slide on their butts or knees as they sprint in the direction of the infield. Perhaps a dive while sprinting left or right in an area devoid of any obstructions or people. It may surprise you to learn that outfielders can try to rob home runs without reaching 25 mph just before contact. In 2022, this was Byron Buxton during a spring training match.
Once more, this is not a binary issue. It will be up to Byron Buxton to determine where he fits in the vast amount of grey area. He will need to make wise decisions, though, if he hopes to stay on the field and genuinely have an opportunity to play triple digit games in his preferred position.
Again, keeping Buxton healthy is paramount, but maybe a return to centre field will bring out the best in him. The fact that he has finally come to this realization is comforting.
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