Byron Buxton is not in the lineup for Friday’s series opener in Cleveland. As of 3 p.m. Friday, Buxton had not been activated from the injured list.
The 30-year-old center fielder has played the past two nights on a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, going 0-for-6 with three strikeouts an one RBI.
Without Buxton, here’s how the Twins will line up against Cleveland right-hander Triston McKenzie.
|
Player |
Position |
|---|---|
|
Eddy Julien |
2B |
|
Trevor Larnach |
DH |
|
Ryan Jeffers |
C |
|
Max Kepler |
RF |
|
Carlos Correa |
SS |
|
Carlos Santana |
1B |
|
Alex Kirilloff |
LF |
|
Jose Miranda |
3B |
|
Willi Castro |
CF |
The Twins said Buxton was headed to St. Paul after he missed two weeks with an inflamed right knee. The hope was that he would join the Twins in Cleveland, which could still happen. It’s even possible that he’s activated from the IL and is available off the bench Friday night. But until that happens, he remains on the IL.
McKenzie has a 1.30 ERA over his past five starts and he’s been pretty good in his career against the Twins. Three players in the lineup who have some success against him include Correa, who is 5-for-14 with two homers lifetime against him; MIranda (2-for-5 with two doubles); and Kirilloff (3-for-6).
First pitch Friday is at 6:10 p.m. CT and the game will be streamed exclusively on Apple TV+.
