The Minnesota Twins continue to face challenges with injuries as the season nears the All-Star break. Key players, including pitchers Pablo Lopez, Bailey Ober, and Zebby Matthews, alongside infielders Luke Keaschall and Ryan Fitzgerald, are currently on the injured list. Adding to the woes, All-Star Byron Buxton might join them after sustaining a hand injury during a game against the Chicago Cubs. Buxton was struck by a fastball and later removed from the game, although X-rays returned negative, leaving him listed as day-to-day.

Buxton, who has been a pivotal player for the Twins, leading the team with a .270 batting average, 20 home runs, and 53 RBIs, has already missed games this season due to a concussion. With the Twins trailing four games in the AL Wild Card race, the absence of their star center fielder could significantly impact their postseason hopes, particularly as he was expected to participate in the upcoming All-Star Game and Home Run Derby.

The Minnesota Twins are holding their breath over the status of star center fielder Byron Buxton after he sustained a left-hand contusion from a hit by pitch during a game against the Chicago Cubs. Despite initially staying in the game, Buxton was removed after scoring a run and has since been diagnosed with the contusion. The team is optimistic that he won't miss significant time, which would be a relief as Buxton has been essential to the Twins both offensively and defensively this season. Moreover, he is expected to participate in the upcoming Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in Atlanta.

Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins suffered a left hand contusion after being hit by a pitch from Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs during a game. Initially ruled a foul ball, the call was overturned after a successful challenge by the Twins. Buxton managed to stay in the game long enough to score before being replaced in the second inning. The All-Star, who has 20 home runs this season, has a history of injuries, having played more than 100 games just twice since his debut in 2015.

Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros has been replaced on the American League All-Star roster by Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins, following Brown's recent performance. The reasons for Brown's replacement were not disclosed. It's notable that pitchers who start on the Sunday before the All-Star Game can be replaced, which could apply to Brown, who pitched recently. His exclusion comes despite impressive stats, including a second-best ERA of 2.21 in the American League, and he ranks third in strikeouts with 129.

Meanwhile, Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña is sidelined due to a fractured rib, and Isaac Paredes has been added to the AL roster as a replacement for the Guardians’ José Ramírez. This change adds to the dynamic nature of the roster just before the All-Star Game, with the Astros still managing key players during the season.

Joe Ryan has been selected as an injury replacement for the American League All-Star team, joining teammate Byron Buxton. With an impressive 8-4 record and a 2.76 ERA, this marks Ryan's first All-Star Game appearance after being overlooked in previous seasons. Manager Rocco Baldelli conveyed the good news to Ryan during practice, expressing the team's excitement for his recognition.

As Ryan prepares to head back to Georgia, he looks forward to attending Buxton's Home Run Derby and participating in the All-Star festivities. Buxton, who expressed pride in Ryan's achievement, emphasized the effort Ryan has put in this season. Ryan's next start is scheduled for Friday against Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes, allowing time to rest before the All-Star Game.