Byron Buxton had knee procedure, Twins hope he'll return to center field
Twins outfielder Byron Buxton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Friday, Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey has confirmed.
Falvey told a media briefing Friday that it's hoped the procedure will improve Buxton's struggle with patellar tendinitis.
Crucially, after a year in which Buxton only appeared as a designated hitter, the plan is to get Buxton ready to play centerfield again next season.
Buxton was an injury replacement for the Twins' playoff roster Wednesday, hitting into a pop fly as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the eighth inning.
The 29-year-old last played for the Twins August 1 before a hamstring injury sidelined him for a month. In a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul in early September, Buxton reaggravated a knee injury that delayed his return.
Buxton eventually made two more appearances for the Saints at the end of September but was not on the Twins' roster for the Wild Card series win over Toronto or the original roster against Houston.
Buxton hit .207/.294/.438 with 17 home runs and 42 RBI from the designated hitter spot this season.
Alex Kirilloff meanwhile is expected to undergo labrum repair surgery on his right shoulder at some point this month, which could lead to a lengthier spell on the sidelines.
