A frightening scene unfolded in New Britain on Wednesday night.
Top Minnesota Twins’ prospect Byron Buxton was making his first appearance after being called up to Double-A. According to Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant, Buxton was involved in a violent outfield collision and had to be taken off the field in an ambulance.
The following timeline comes from Amore:
Byron Buxton in a collision in right center field in his first game at new Britain. He has been down several minutes. #twins
— Dom Amore (@AmoreCourant) August 14, 2014
They've driven an ambulance onto the field for Byron Buxton. They're stabilizing him. Can't tell exactly what injury is yet.
— Dom Amore (@AmoreCourant) August 14, 2014
Buxton, who was parallel to the ground, appeared to hit his left shoulder/neck with RF mike kvasnicka's knee. A violent collusion.
— Dom Amore (@AmoreCourant) August 14, 2014
Again, Byron Buxton, Twins top prospect, injured in collusion with teammate in New a Britain. Taken to hospital in an ambulance
— Dom Amore (@AmoreCourant) August 14, 2014
Buxton and fellow top prospect Miguel Sano have been the signs of hope for a dwindling Minnesota Twins’ franchise for a while now.
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Before getting bumped up to New Britain, Buxton had batted .240/.313/.405 in high A ball. While the numbers are not overwhelming, the Twins understandably thought they had seen enough to call him up to the next level.
Those issues loom for later. For now the Twins, along with the rest of us, will send thoughts and prayers to Buxton and hope that he is OK after what is reported to be a nasty collision.