Twins place Byron Buxton on the DL

After missing yesterday’s game due to migraines, and again not in the lineup for tonight’s game also due to migraines, the Twins announced Wednesday that they have place center fielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day disabled list (I’m assuming on account of the migraines). Ryan LaMarre — who is with the team in Puerto Rico as the 26-man allowed for overseas games — will take Buxton’s spot on the 25-man roster and travel with the team to face the Tampa Bay Rays this weekend.

Though Buxton hasn’t played since last Thursday, April 13th, due to the Twins being snowed out all last weekend, his move to the DL is only retroactive to last Sunday, April 15th, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. That retroactive date means Buxton will first be eligible to be activated from the DL on April 25th — the third game of the four-game series the Twins have against the dreaded Yankees in New York City.

Max Kepler will take over center field duties for the Twins until Buxton’s return. Though he’s no Buxton, Kepler was fine enough in center field last night. The more troubling news is that moving Kepler to center fielder means Robbie Grossman will likely take over most of the duties in right field — and, no offense to Grossman, but his last name is a pretty good descriptor of his defensive capabilities out there. It’s a huge step down from having the best defensive player in baseball in center field and basically two other center fielders on either side of him.

Ryan LaMarre, who is capable of playing all three outfield positions, will likely see playing time as well, of course.