Twins Slugger’s August Struggles Raise Concerns for Potential Playoff Push

The Minnesota Twins need more from this slugger if a playoff push is a realistic expectation.

Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton (8) watches the game. Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Minnesota Twins erased a sweep of the Atlanta Braves earlier last week by getting swept by the San Diego Padres on the road this weekend. Just when the Twins looked to be climbing back in the AL Central, they took another step backward and at the wrong time.

Entering a big series against the Athletics, who hold a 51-80 record entering the series opener, Minnesota must find a way to take two of three, if not sweep, the struggling AL West franchise. But to achieve that, they're going to need some more production from a key member of the offensive front.

Byron Buxton's Ice Cold August

Minnesota Twins pinch hitter Byron Buxton (25) celebrates his run. Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While the face of the Twins franchise, Byron Buxton, missed a handful of games to start the month of August, his return to the lineup hasn't been very impressive. In 31 at-bats, Buxton has collected just four hits, one extra-base hit, and holds a batting average of .129.

Not to mention, Buxton has struck out nine times compared to four walks, all the more reason for his monthly OPS sitting at .432. Typically the firestarter beneath this Twins offense, Buxton has gone ice cold at the wrong time. But what are the options for Minnesota?

One option for an added boost for the Twins would be to call up prospect Walker Jenkins, who's having himself a stellar month in Triple-A. Jenkins is on fire for the St. Paul Saints, hitting .321 at the plate with 13 home runs, seven of which have come in August alone.

While Jenkins wouldn't replace Buxton, especially if Buxton is healthy, he could be an added boost for this offense to at least inch closer to its first goal: getting back to a .500 record. Jenkins looks to be the future in Minnesota; why not get that future started sooner rather than later?

If Jenkins isn't the option the Twins want to go with, then Buxton needs this series against the Athletics to be impressive. The face of the franchise broke a four-game hitless streak by collecting a hit in the series finale against the Padres, but that kind of production isn't enough.

The last time Minnesota took on the Athletics, Buxton went hitless in that series as well, and even then, the Twins found a way to win the series. If anything, this upcoming series is a revenge-type series for Buxton, to get back on the right track and beat up on the opposing Athletics pitching.