The X-Rays on Buxton's wrist came back negative, which is good but not the end. If he has an injury to the hamate bone, it's more likely to come up in an MRI exam than an X-Ray. "I think the X-Rays would have showed that, maybe not fully," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "Maybe that's why the MRI is a little bit more extensive as far as what we might be able to see." Buxton fouled off three pitches during his second at bat of the game and reacted as if he was in discomfort during the last two. He was removed from the game at that time, and the Twins initially sent out signals that the injury was minor. But manager Paul Molitor, after the win against the Rays, indicated that the injury was, "concerning," and that Buxton was headed for tests on Friday. The MRI results will be read Saturday, and decide then if Buxton will go on the 7-day MiLB disabled list. Whatever step the Twins take, it's a step backward for the second overall pick of the 2012 draft. Buxton is hitting .232 in 18 games for Rochester as he searches for a hitting approach that suits him. He was batting .300 over his seven previous games before going 0-for-2 Thursday.
The Twins have been patient with him, but an injury setback is the last thing both sides want.
"It's when they keep coming, they get challenging," Molitor said of another setback. "Probably will have to get your mind around it. Can't feel sorry for yourself. If it is something you gotta deal with, whether it is two days or five days or 10 days, just do the next thing that you need to do." Baseball has changed in many ways through the years. When I started covering ball in the mid-90's, reporters would beat several players to the ballpark. I would enter the Royals clubhouse at 3:30 and find a handful of players who weren't at the park yet. And the starting pitcher that day would stroll in around 4:30. Then with the era of preparation, player began showing up to the park earlier and earlier. I have interviewed Justin Morneau at 1:30 p,m before 7 pm games - at the Dome. Once the clubhouse opens at 3:40 (now) everyone is there. Maybe once or twice a week one or two show up a few minutes later. But everyone has a detailed pre-game routine that could include gym work, pool work, rehab, a visit with the massage therapist, breaking down scouting reports - dominoes - whatever. So now there's occasional concern about wearing players out. Or to reward a team for playing well. So, after the Twins played until midnight last night while beating the Rays, manager Paul Molitor told the lads to come in at 4:30. They have been on a good run, they're home and the two hour rain d elay last night stunk. If the Twins win tonight, they will cancel out thier 1-8 road trip to Chicago, Chicago and Milwaukee. I guarantee that several players will still come to the park early, because some don't like breaking their routines.
Rays

Kevin Kiermaier, CF
Matt Duffy, 3B
Jake Bauers, 1B
Wilson Ramos, C
Joey Wendle, LF
C.J. Cron, DH
Daniel Robertson, 2B
Carlos Gomez, RF
Adeiny Hechavarria, SS

Nathan Eovaldi, RHP

Twins

Joe Mauer, 1B
Eddie Rosario, LF
Brian Dozier, 2B
Eduardo Escobar, 3B
Jorge Polanco, SS
Max Kepler, RF
Robbie Grossman, DH
Jake Cave, CF
Mitch Garver, C

Jake Odorizzi, RHP