Byron Buxton’s Season Cut Short by Right Hip Surgery

Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins’ dynamic center‑fielder, is set to have surgery on his right hip, a procedure that will keep him off the field for the rest of the 2024 season. ESPN reported that the club confirmed the operation after Buxton had been on the injured list since August 30.

The Twins placed Buxton on the 10‑day IL following a lingering hip issue that limited his speed and defensive range in the final weeks of the schedule. Prior to the injury, he had appeared in 78 games, posting a .276 batting average with 12 home runs and 31 stolen bases, numbers that underscored his role as a catalyst in the lineup.

Losing Buxton narrows the Twins’ offensive options as they head into the final stretch of the season. The team, already out of contention for a postseason berth, will have to rely on younger prospects and bench players to fill the void in center field, a position that demands both speed and a strong arm. Manager Rocco Baldelli is expected to reshuffle the outfield rotation, giving more playing time to veterans like Max Kepler and promising call‑ups from Triple‑A.

Hip surgeries in baseball, while not commonplace, have a track record of lengthy recoveries. Players such as Ryan Zimmerman and Brandon Crawford underwent similar procedures and missed the remainder of their respective seasons, returning to action the following spring after extensive rehabilitation. The typical timeline for a right‑hip arthroscopy ranges from four to six months, depending on the severity of the damage and the athlete’s response to physical therapy.

Looking ahead, the Twins will likely keep Buxton on the 60‑day injured list to free up a roster spot for a fresh arm. Medical staff have indicated that his rehab program will focus on restoring mobility and strength before resuming full baseball activities. If the recovery proceeds without setbacks, Buxton could be ready for spring training, aiming to rejoin the Twins’ core for the 2025 campaign.

The season‑ending surgery underscores the physical toll of a demanding MLB schedule and highlights the importance of depth on a roster that is already navigating a rebuilding phase.