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. Manager Rocco Baldelli said before the game against the Chicago Cubs that Buxton could be available as a substitute — possibly as a pinch-hitter — depending on how the hand was feeling.

Twins All-Star Byron Buxton left Wednesday's game against the Cubs with a left hand contusion after being hit by a pitch.

Byron Buxton was removed from Wednesday night's game against the Cubs before his second at-bat, after he was hit on the left hand by a fastball to lead off the bottom of the first.