Byron Buxton Recalled from Triple-A Rochester by Twins

Top prospect Byron Buxton is returning to the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins following a short stint in the minors after overcoming a thumb injury, MLB Roster Moves confirmed Wednesday.

Minnesota originally called up Buxton, whom MLB.com rated as the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball, back in June. He received just 37 at-bats, picking up seven hits (.189 average), before suffering the thumb issue that forced him to the disabled list.

The Twins decided to option him back to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings once he returned to full strength rather than bring him right back to the majors. He responded by embarking on a 12-game hitting streak, including six multi-hit games.

It left the front office little choice but to recall him after Aaron Hicks suffered a hamstring injury during a loss to the New York Yankees on Wednesday.    

Aaron Gleeman of Hardball Talk explained the unbridled joy in Minnesota:

Buxton is undoubtedly an exciting player with five-tool potential. His first stay in the majors showed there's still a learning curve as he adjusts to big league pitching, however. It's not fair to expect him to single-handedly vault the Twins back atop the wild-card standings.

Getting him back in the lineup every day is a step in the right direction, though. He didn't have much left to prove in Rochester, and as long as he's able to stay healthy this time around, he should make clear progress before season's end.