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Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton fractures left hand on HBP days after return from lengthy absence

MLB, Minnesota Twins

In just his third game since returning from an extended absence, Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton suffered a left hand fracture when he was hit by a pitch during Monday night's 7-5 extra-inning win over the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

Buxton, who missed 40 games with a strained right hip before returning to action on Saturday, was hit by a 94 mph fastball from Reds starter Tyler Mahle in the fourth inning. 

Buxton stayed in the game for another inning but grimaced after making a catch in center field to end the fifth and was pulled. He was initially announced as having a left hand contusion, but X-rays revealed the fracture.

He could miss a month or so, a crushing blow to an oft-injured player who had been sidelined since May 6 before being activated from the injured list. 

"This isn't fair. That's how I feel about the whole thing,'' Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said after his team beat the Reds in 12 innings for their fifth straight victory.

Buxton had been 4-for-11 with two singles, a double and a home run in parts of three games since coming off the IL. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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