Minnesota Twins Getting Closer to Sending Regulars Out on Rehab Assignments

The Minnesota Twins are getting healthier as the calendar gets set to turn to September.

The team returned starting pitcher Joe Ryan from the injured list this past weekend and is getting closer to getting back versatile infielder Willi Castro.

Furthermore, reports indicate that both Byron Buxton and Alex Kirilloff could head out on rehab assignments soon.

Per Dan Hayes of MLB.com:

Alex Kirilloff will also be part of Tuesday's hitting group against Jorge Alcalá. He could head out on a rehab assignment later this week. #MNTwins

Alex Kirilloff will also be part of Tuesday's hitting group against Jorge Alcalá. He could head out on a rehab assignment later this week. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) August 27, 2023

He's put together a nice season, hitting .270 with a .357 on-base percentage. He's also got eight homers and 32 RBI and is a nice contact guy in a lineup that strikes out a lot.

Hayes also had information on Byron Buxton:

Byron Buxton is nearing a rehab assignment as long as he continues to progress. He'll run the bases Monday, hit against Jorge Alcalá on Tuesday. And yes, while they're going day by day, the plan would include rehab time in center field. #MNTwins

Byron Buxton is nearing a rehab assignment as long as he continues to progress. He'll run the bases Monday, hit against Jorge Alcalá on Tuesday. And yes, while they're going day by day, the plan would include rehab time in center field. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) August 27, 2023

It has been a frustrating season - and career - for Buxton, who has had all kinds of trouble staying healthy.

He's in his ninth year in the big leagues, all with the Twins, and has played more than 100 games just once. He also missed 21 games in the shortened COVID season.

He's hitting just .207 this year with 17 homers and 42 RBI.

When healthy, he's one of the most talented players in baseball and he made the All-Star team in 2022.

Reports also indicate that Buxton will play some outfield during his rehab, something he hasn't all year at the big league level.

The Twins lead the American League Central by 6.0 games.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.