In just his third game since returning from an extended absence, Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton suffered a left hand fracture when he was hit by a pitch during Monday night’s 7-5 extra-inning win over the visiting Cincinnati Reds.
Buxton, who missed 40 games with a strained right hip before returning to action on Saturday, was hit by a 94 mph fastball from Reds starter Tyler Mahle in the fourth inning.
Buxton stayed in the game for another inning but grimaced after making a catch in center field to end the fifth and was pulled. He was initially announced as having a left hand contusion, but X-rays revealed the fracture.
He could miss a month or so, a crushing blow to an oft-injured player who had been sidelined since May 6 before being activated from the injured list.
“This isn’t fair. That’s how I feel about the whole thing,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said after his team beat the Reds in 12 innings for their fifth straight victory.
Buxton had been 4-for-11 with two singles, a double and a home run in parts of three games since coming off the IL.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.