With the Twins on the brink of elimination, the team has activated designated hitter-outfielder Byron Buxton before tonight’s fourth game of the American League Division Series against Houston.
M-L-B approved the Twins’ roster substitution because of an injury to first baseman-outfielder Alex Kiriloff.
Injuries have limited Buxton to 85 games this season. In fact, Buxton has not played for the Twins since August 1st. He is batting .207 with 17 home runs and 42 runs batted in.
Buxton has had some rehab assignments with the Twins’ St. Paul farm team.
Kiriloff has a shoulder injury.
The Twins must win game four tonight at Target Field, or the Astros will win the best-of-five series.
You can hear the game here on KNOX. Pre-game coverage starts at 5:00 PM. Game time is 6:07.
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MLB statement:
Major League Baseball announced today that it has approved a roster substitution for the Minnesota Twins due to an injury sustained by first baseman/outfielder Alex Kirilloff. As a result, Kirilloff will be replaced by outfielder Byron Buxton on Minnesota’s roster vs. the Houston Astros in the American League Division Series presented by Booking.com. Dr. Gary Green, MLB’s Medical Director, confirmed the injury after communicating with the evaluating physician.
MLB Postseason rules provide that a Club may request permission from the Commissioner’s Office to replace a player who is unable to play because of an injury. The Commissioner’s Office may approve or disapprove the request based on the specific facts and circumstances. In accordance with the rules, Kirilloff will be ineligible to return in the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot if the Twins participate, but he would be eligible to return for the World Series presented by Capital One if Minnesota qualifies.