Byron Buxton Takes a 91 MPH Fastball to the Arm, But the News Could've Been So Much Worse

The Minnesota Twins got their home opener off to a flying start Friday, crushing the Tampa Bay Rays 10-4 at home. But the victory came with a scare when All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton took a line drive fastball straight to the right forearm in the seventh inning.

Here's the good news: X-rays came back negative. No fracture. Buxton was hit by a 91.6 mph heater from Rays reliever Kevin Kelly, and while it clearly hurt, the damage is limited to a right forearm contusion. "It's an arm," Buxton told reporters, keeping it simple. "It ain't broken, so I'm good."

Buxton Out of the Game, but Dodged a Bullet

The injury happened in the bottom of the seventh, and Buxton immediately headed to the dugout. James Outman came in to replace him in the lineup. Buxton had been 0-for-3 up to that point, with a strikeout mixed in, so at least the Twins didn't lose production from the middle of a rally.

For a team that's built around big bats performing in April, losing Buxton even for a few games would sting. But with the X-rays clear, this looks like a situation where the Twins dodged the worst-case scenario. Bruised forearm beats broken wrist every single time.

Twins' Bats Carry the Day

The home-opener rout over Tampa Bay gave Minnesota something to feel good about heading forward. The 10-4 margin suggests the offense is firing early in the season, which is exactly what you want to see in April. Buxton's injury is the only cloud on an otherwise solid Friday night.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.