Twins' Bryon Buxton's performance in All-Star game is a stepping stone in his career

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The soaring home run Byron Buxton hit in the All-Star game served as the winning run for the AL team and another signature moment in an uneven career for Minnesota’s multi-skilled center fielder.

Just being there was the bigger deal.

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American League's Byron Buxton, of the Minnesota Twins, celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game against the National League, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Buxton's first appearance at baseball's midsummer showcase probably meant as much to him as any player ever selected, given how early struggles and untimely injuries prolonged the wait until his eighth major league season. Appearing in 73 of 94 games for the Twins before the break while avoiding the injured list was a significant step forward for the 28-year-old.

"I know what I’m capable of doing. Just staying on the field is the biggest situation," Buxton said last week before leaving for Los Angeles, where he starred for the AL squad on Tuesday night.

When Buxton hurt his right knee on April 15 and missed five games in a row, his outlook for a healthy season was considerably dimmed. As the soreness and swelling persisted, the Twins carefully scheduled days off. Having Buxton in the lineup for two-thirds of the time, they figured, was better than an aggravation and a subsequent month-long absence.

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"It’s been a strenuous, truly 24-hour-a-day job for him to take the field each day," manager Rocco Baldelli said. "He’s not looking for any breaks right now. He’s trying to take the field."

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