Byron Buxton Underwent Successful Hip Surgery
The Minnesota Twins outfielder had surgery to address hip inflammation that sidelined him for much of the season.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Baseball
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Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right hip on Friday morning. The procedure included a labral repair, decompression, and cam resection.
Why it matters
Buxton struggled with persistent right hip inflammation throughout the season, which limited his availability and significantly impacted the Twins lineup. He is expected to complete his recovery in time to return for the 2027 season.
Byron Buxton played only 18 games following the All-Star break as he battled chronic inflammation. He last appeared in a game on August 25, 2026, before eventually undergoing surgery.
The players
Byron Buxton
He is an outfielder for the Minnesota Twins who has frequently struggled with injury setbacks during his career.
Trevor Larnach
He is a Minnesota Twins outfielder currently sidelined with a left wrist sprain.
Christopher Larson
He is the orthopedic specialist who performed the arthroscopic surgery on Byron Buxton.
Alan Roden
He is a player recalled from the Triple-A level to fill a roster spot for the Minnesota Twins.
The details
Dr. Christopher Larson performed the procedure to address the structural issues in Buxton's right hip. Additionally, the Twins have placed Trevor Larnach on the injured list with a left wrist sprain and recalled Alan Roden from Triple-A to bolster the roster.
Timeline
Buxton first dealt with hip issues in May 2026.
He was placed on the injured list in July 2026.
Buxton made his last appearance on August 25, 2026.
The surgery was performed on the morning of September 18, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The loss of Buxton and Larnach forces the Twins to shift their offensive strategy for the remainder of the season. This roster shuffle impacts the team's depth as they look to maintain competitive balance without two key outfield contributors.
Fantasy owners and fans should note that Buxton will not return to the lineup for the remainder of the current campaign. The team will rely on replacements like Alan Roden to fill the void created by the combined absences of Buxton and Larnach.
The takeaway
The successful completion of this surgery is a positive step toward Buxton's long-term health and future availability. Fans and the team must now look toward the 2027 season for his return to the field.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Minneapolis Baseball section.
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