Buxton has returned from injury and hit a home run in the first game of the series against New York.

Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins was activated today from the 10-day injured list and hit a home run in the game against the Yankees, but ultimately the team lost 2-6.

Buxton missed 13 games due to inflammation in his left ribcage and has delivered one of the best performances of his career this season. His batting line is .282/.342/.567, contributing 24 home runs and 60 RBIs, and he was selected for the All-Star Game in July.

“It feels great to be back. I want to bring more energy to this team that is playing well,” Buxton said before the game.

After the Twins traded away 10 players before the July 31 deadline, Buxton's leadership has become even more crucial.

On August 2, after the Twins lost 5-4 to the Guardians, Buxton and Christian Vázquez organized a team dinner. Buxton and Vázquez hope to help the players relax and not let the post-trade deadline blues affect the remainder of the season. Their core message is to focus on what they can control, which is playing good baseball.

Since then, the Twins have recorded a 5-3 record.

“This is part of the business. It’s exciting to see us come out of that and play the way we know how to play,” Buxton said. “I think it’s more in line with the style of our team—going out there, taking an extra base, and playing more aggressively.”

“You have to turn the page at some point. Now feels like that time. … Energetically, I can’t wait to get back. Sitting on the bench watching them take an extra base and steal, it’s fun. We’re a young team—now even younger. We just need to go out and play baseball, and that’s a fun thing to do.”

To make room for Buxton on the 26-man roster, the Twins optioned outfielder Carson McCusker to Triple-A St. Paul after yesterday's game against the Royals. McCusker, who was recalled on Sunday, made his second appearance of the season that day, getting one hit in three at-bats.