Twins calling up top prospect Walker Jenkins amid Byron Buxton injury concerns
Buxton has battled a hip injury throughout the season, putting him on the injured list twice since July 4.
The Minnesota Twins have called up top prospect Walker Jenkins for the upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox, as the team contemplates Byron Buxton’s availability due to a hip injury. The move was announced on Thursday. Jenkins, who is 21 years old, had an impressive .308/.407/.532 batting average with 12 home runs, 17 doubles, 28 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in 307 plate appearances for Triple-A St. Paul, despite dealing with hamstring and shoulder injuries. He had a better .411/.488/.795 average in August, including 8 home runs and 7 stolen bases.
Ranked as Minnesota's No. 1 prospect by MLB.com and No. 15 overall, Jenkins was the Twins' 2023 first-round draft pick (fifth overall) out of South Brunswick High School in North Carolina. He has already homered three times in his last three games, including his 14th homer of the season, which is his 12th for the Triple-A St. Paul team.
Buxton, who is 32 years old, injured his right hip during Tuesday’s game against the Athletics while running and reaching down for a hit. He came out of the game due to discomfort in his right leg. Buxton has missed 93 games this season due to a right hip impingement, leading to two stints on the injured list and only nine games played from July 4 to August 13.
When Buxton has been in the lineup, he has been productive with a .254/.319/.511 batting average, 25 home runs, 22 doubles, and 46 RBIs in 408 plate appearances. He has also played well in center field according to advanced metrics, credited with 1 Defensive Run Saved and 3 Outs Above Average.
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