Byron Buxton was removed from the Minnesota Twins' home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays after being hit by a pitch. The Twins announced he suffered a right forearm contusion, with X-rays coming back negative. The incident occurred in the seventh inning at Target Field.
Buxton led off the seventh inning against Rays right-hander Kevin Kelly. He took a 91.6 mph fastball off his right arm, near the elbow. The veteran outfielder immediately headed to the dugout without further play. James Outman pinch-ran for him and promptly stole second base, as the Twins confirmed Buxton's diagnosis post-game. The Twins said the injury is a right forearm contusion, and X-rays were negative, offering some reassurance amid early-season concerns. Temperatures at Target Field hovered around 38 degrees at first pitch, with a feels-like temperature near 30 degrees, adding to the challenging conditions. Buxton's exit came during the Twins' home opener in Minneapolis, where fans braved the cold for the matchup against the Rays.