MLB Player News

Buxton left Friday's game in the first inning with a right knee contusion, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

It was easy to fear the worst after Buxton was carted off the field following a collision with the outfield wall, but it seems he may have avoided a serious injury. The Twins could opt to send Buxton for additional tests to confirm the extent of the injury, but for now, they're labeling him as day-to-day with merely a bruised knee.

Buxton was carted off the field Friday after crashing into the center field wall, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The exact nature and full extent of the issue have not yet been disclosed, but it looked like a potentially serious right leg injury for Buxton. It appeared as though he couldn't put any weight on the leg after almost making a fantastic catch to rob Rougned Odor of extra bases in the first inning. Expect an update when the Twins provide more information.

Indians manager Terry Francona said that Brantley (shoulder) has been recovering well in his rehab. He is scheduled to take BP for the third straight day on Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

There is still no definitive date on when Brantley will begin his minor league rehab, but obviously this is a great sign in his progression. If all continues to go well, expect Brantley to rejoin the Indians at some point shortly after the All-Star break.

Goins (forearm) will begin to throw again Saturday, freelance writer John Lott reports.

Goins was placed on the 15-day DL on July 2 after making an appearance on the mound during a 19-inning game against the Indians. He went down with forearm tightness with a strain on the inside of his elbow, but should be able to return by the time he is eligible to be activated on July 17.

Martinez (elbow) took swings with a fungo on Friday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Martinez has now advanced to hitting drills after being limited to cardio and lower-body work since breaking his elbow on June 16. The 28-year-old is likely still two to three weeks away from a return to the majors but it appears his rehab is right on track.

Vargas hit a solo homer in his only plate appearance Thursday at the Rangers.

Vargas came on to pinch hit in the ninth inning of a game the Twins were already winning 8-0, and he blasted his second bomb in his third appearance with the Twins this season. He now has three extra base hits in his last two contests.

Miller went 2-for-3 with a walk and solo shot Thursday against the Angels.

The Rays offense didn't do much Thursday, but Miller did connect on his 13th home run of the season, a shot to dead center in the eighth inning. His 13th home run before the All-Star break is the most by a Rays shortstop in team history. He's now gone deep in three of the seven games this month.

Brantley (shoulder) is scheduled to take another round of batting practice Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Brantley continues to take positive steps as he returns from a shoulder injury as he will now take batting practice for a second consecutive day. Brantley remarked that his Monday batting practice session was "pain-free" and after taking another one Thursday, he appears to be nearing full strength. The Indians are still without a time-table for a rehab assignment but given the 29-year-old's marked progress, it should be just around the corner.

Reed is not in Thursday's lineup against the A's, Angel Verdejo Jr. of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Reed will get a day off Thursday after starting the past two games of the series against Seattle. In his place, Marwin Gonzalez will get the nod at first base while batting second in the order. Reed has been struggling during his brief time with the big league team, hitting just 4-for-28, but he has smacked two home runs in his last four contests.

Although Buxton is not in Wednesday's lineup against Oakland he is available off the bench, Brandon Wayne of Cold Omaha reports. He went 2-for-3 with a walk in Tuesday's win over the A's.

Buxton missed two games after becoming sore and sustaining cuts on his arm after running into the outfield wall in Friday's game. He ran into the wall again Tuesday to make a catch, so he could be sore again. Buxton may not see regular playing time with the Twins trying to find at-bats for four outfielders and Danny Santana as a utility player with Eddie Rosario back in the majors. Hopefully the Twins will give Buxton regular playing time as he had one of his best games Tuesday.