Buxton collected hits in the first, second and third innings against the Pirates before going yard in the seventh

Twins righthander Joe Ryan struck out two in retiring the side in order in the fourth inning Tuesday night in Atlanta, excelling on the big stage.

Buxton is 31, owed around $45 million from 2026-28 for a team that counts pennies, and has dealt with wrist, thumb, groin, head, toe, shoulder, hip, hand, and knee injuries, just to name a few, which too often have hindered one of the most-hyped prospects ever in an 11-year career.