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Offseason injury updates on Twins outfielders Byron Buxton, Walker Jenkins
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- Offseason injury updates on Twins outfielders Byron Buxton, Walker Jenkins
Byron Buxton and Walker Jenkins, two of the most important core players on the Twins' roster, are currently in recovery mode after recent procedures that the organization hopes will have them healthy and ready to roll for the start of the 2027 season.
Buxton, who played in just 20 of the Twins' final 77 games and did not look like himself due to a nagging hip injury, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right hip on September 18, then had the stitches removed at a ten-day appointment this week.
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Buxton has already begun the rehab process, which GM Jeremy Zoll said will continue until Christmas. At that point, the All-Star center fielder will begin ramping up for the 2027 season. He's currently on crutches, so returning to walking will be the next big step.
Prior to his surgery, Buxton said doctors "reassured me that I'll be fine the rest of my career going forward," per The Athletic's Dan Hayes .
Buxton hit 25 home runs and had an .829 OPS in 93 games this season. He had an outstanding first half and made his third All-Star game, but he did not homer against after June 22. He has failed to reach 100 games played in seven of his ten full MLB seasons.
With Buxton turning 33 this winter, it may be in the Twins' best interest to give him more time at designated hitter next season. Because top prospects Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez are capable of playing center field, manager Derek Shelton should have more flexibility than he did this year.
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Jenkins had successful elbow debridement surgery at the Mayo Clinic on Wednesday, according to SKOR North's Declan Goff . It's a "minimally invasive procedure used to clean out damaged tissue, bone spurs, and loose debris from inside the elbow joint." He should be ready to go for spring training next year.
Jenkins was named the Twins' minor league player of the year for 2026. The 21-year-old hit .308 with 12 homers, 17 stolen bases, and a .939 OPS in 69 games for Triple-A St. Paul. He was called up in late August and bounced back from a deep early slump, finishing with a .686 OPS and four home runs in his first 26 MLB games.
The future looks bright for the Twins. If they're able to stay healthy, the Twins could have three AL rookie of the year candidates in 2027 in Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Kaelen Culpepper.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Twins section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
