Buxton (hand) is hoping to available as a pinch runner or defensive replacement Friday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
X-rays on Buxton's hand were negative after he was hit by a pitch Thursday, but he admitted Friday that the hand still stings when swinging against live pitching. It sounds like Buxton may be available in some capacity Friday, but it's uncertain if he will be able to start at all in the series against the Angels. He will probably need to pick it up at the plate upon his return to avoid a trip back to the minors.