Byron Buxton Hopes Momentum Of All-Star Homer Carries Into Minnesota’s Second Half Playoff Run

Byron Buxton made a huge impact for the American League in his first All-Star Game.

With the game tied 2-2 in the top of the fourth inning, Buxton stepped up to the plate and delivered a memorable hit. He smashed a fastball off Tony Gonsolin to left field to give the AL a 3-2 lead and that was all the team needed.

 

The AL went on to win 3-2. Buxton was one of the heroes in his All-Star debut. That’s how you make an impression in your first All-Star Game. It’s been an up and down season for Buxton as he got off to a slow start.

Going into All-Star break, Buxton hit .216 with 43 RBI and 23 home runs. While his average has been low, he’s shown the power he possesses at the plate. You got to see that on Tuesday.

Before leaving for All-Star break, Buxton talked about how important it is for him to stay healthy.

“I know what I’m capable of doing. Just staying on the field is the biggest situation,” he said in an article from USA Today.

It’s going to be really important for Buxton to remain healthy during the second half of the season. Rocco Baldelli, manager of the Twins, knows that Buxton wants to do his best to be an everyday player for his team.

“It’s been a strenuous, truly 24-hour-a-day job for him to take the field each day,” he said. “He’s not looking for any breaks right now. He’s trying to take the field.”

“Buck’s doing pretty well, but it’s still going to be something we’re going to have to pay attention to going forward,” Baldelli said. “If there’s 12 days, 14 days in a row? At this point, he’s going to play most of those games. I don’t think he’s playing all those days if there’s no days off built in.”

Going into the All-Star break, the Twins held a two-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the AL Central Division.

It’s going to be a battle for the top of that division. For the Twins to be successful, Buxton will need to play in as many games as possible. 

The Twins next game isn’t until Saturday against the Detroit Tigers, so Buxton and his teammates have a little bit of time to get some much-needed rest.

Buxton wants to go out there and help give his team a chance to win the pennant and he has the skillset to do just that.

“You just make sure you’re being smart and being the best person, you can be to give your best version that you can, day in and day out,” Buxton said. “Days are good, days are bad, but each and every day for me is a good opportunity to try and get a win for my teammates.”

 

Now that the All-Star Game is in the rear view, Buxton will be focused on getting the Twins to the postseason.