Byron Buxton last played centre field on August 22, 2022, against the Texas Rangers. He then spent all of 2023 pretending to be a designated hitter, which he was not very successful at. However, 554 days later, he returned to his outfield position during the Twins’ fourth spring training game of 2024 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
As we all recall, Buxton was relegated to the DH position last season, appearing in 85 games with a.207 batting average and 17 home runs. Even in the playoffs, where he continued to play as DH, he did not make his typical impact.
Buxton’s excursion was short. He played four innings in the field and had two at bats (0-2). However, a noteworthy occurrence occurred. Trea Turner, the Phillies’ shortstop, hit a ball in Buxton’s direction, but it was far from a routine catch.
Byron Buxton showed he is smartening up in the outfield.
So, instead of risking damage his first time back in centre by diving and trying to make a fantastic play that no one would remember (today’s game wasn’t even on TV), Buxton showed restraint and chose not to endanger life and limb, allowing the ball to sail over his head.
Is this really happening? Has Byron Buxton finally realized that his health is more important than a single out or two runs in a 162-game season? If true, that’s a big deal. Most of us have always understood that one spectacular reel catch is not worth losing Buxton for an extended period of time.
Will Buxton be safe playing centre field for the Minnesota Twins?
But that wasn’t always the case for Buck, who for a long time refused to abandon his risky outfield tactics. Even when we get to the regular season, Byron will have to choose when and how much risk he wants to take with his body.
Of course, there are various levels of danger associated with each play Buxton will make in centre. The majority of them will pose little threat to him. Run this way and that, catch the ball, and throw it back to the infield. Others will need more effort, but should not result in injury.
Outfielders will slide on their knees or buttocks as they run toward the infield. Perhaps a dive while running left or right, with no walls or people nearby. Believe it or not, outfielders have attempted to steal home runs without racing 25 mph shortly before contact. This was Byron Buxton’s spring training game in 2022.
Again, this is not a black or white issue. There is a lot of grey area, and it will be up to Byron Buxton to pick where he will dwell within it. However, if he wants to stay on the field and have a chance to play triple digit games at his preferred position, he will need to make wise decisions.
It is believed that returning to centre field would rekindle Buxton’s earlier form, but the most important issue remains his health. It’s encouraging to see that he’s finally grasped this.
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