Byron Buxton’s return to the top of Minnesota’s lineup after rib-cage inflammation injects a high-energy jolt into a young Twins club post-trade. His first game back featured a sixth-inning homer that sparked scoring, underscoring his impact both on and off the field. Buxton has spent the injury stretch keeping spirits up, serving as a morale focal point as the team retools around a youthful core. He also helped maintain cohesion by joining the squad on the road and rallying the group through dinners and candid conversations with veterans and newcomers alike.

Luke Keaschall captured AL Player of the Week honors for Minnesota, delivering a sensational week with a .455 average, 10 RBIs, and two homers, including a walk-off against Kansas City. The Twins, energized by their returnees and breakout performances, are aiming to translate this momentum into a strong run in the Bronx and beyond, building around Buxton’s spark and the rising young infield of Keaschall and others.