Twins Call Up Prospect Amid Buxton Uncertainty

The update

The Minnesota Twins have called up top prospect Walker Jenkins from Triple-A St. Paul, with the status of All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton unclear. Jenkins, a 2023 first-round draft pick, was batting .308 with 12 home runs and 17 steals at Triple-A. The 21-year-old is ranked among baseball’s top prospects and is expected to make his MLB debut Friday against the Chicago White Sox.

Why it matters

This move signals the Twins are preparing for a potential extended absence of Buxton, who has been hampered by a hip injury over the last two months and was removed from Tuesday’s game with another aggravation. Buxton has been on the injured list twice since July 4. The team faces critical decisions as they battle for playoff positioning, with Jenkins’ call-up representing both a strategic response to current roster needs and a glimpse at the organization’s future direction.

What to watch

Jenkins’ performance in his MLB debut, Buxton’s recovery timeline from his hip injury, and how the Twins manage their roster with the addition of Jenkins.

Sources

• espn.com — confirming Jenkins call-up and Buxton's uncertain status
• Yahoo Sports — providing additional context on Jenkins' Triple-A performance and Buxton's injury history