Initial X-rays were negative, but the injury takes place five days before Buxton's scheduled to compete in the Home Run Derby.

Byron Buxton told MLB Network he is 'doing good' following being hit in the hand by a 98 mile-per-hour pitch Wednesday night.

The Minnesota Twins held All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of the starting lineup on Thursday because of a bruised left hand that is not expected to affect his availability for long.

Athletics slugger Brent Rooker became the latest entrant in the forthcoming Home Run Derby on Thursday. Just one spot remains vacant in the eight-player field. Rooker, 30, has hit .270/.346/.489 (130 OPS+) with 19 home runs in his first 94 games this season.

Cruz, 26, will join Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. as the latest participants in the annual slugging contest.

The hometown favorite, Acuña has been one of the best hitters in the majors since returning from his second ACL surgery. This will be his third career Home Run Derby; he lost to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso in both 2019 and 2022. With the event taking place in Atlanta, the timing is right for him to finally take the prize.