Byron Buxton is making his return to the field, starting in center field and batting ninth for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic Championship game against Venezuela. This marks his first appearance since March 9th, when he played against Mexico.
Before departing from the Minnesota Twins camp, Buxton had a batting average of .231, going 3-for-13 with two doubles in 17 plate appearances. However, his performance with Team USA has been less fruitful, as he has recorded just eight plate appearances, failing to secure a hit in six attempts.
The U.S. team, managed by Mark DeRosa, is looking to reclaim the title, having not won the World Baseball Classic since 2017. The lineup features notable players such as Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Kyle Schwarber, all contributing to the team’s offensive strategy.
Venezuela, who has shown strong performance in the tournament, knocked off the defending champion Japan in the quarterfinals and defeated Italy in the semifinals. This sets the stage for a highly competitive championship game.
Buxton’s 2025 season was impressive, boasting a 136 OPS+ and hitting 35 home runs, which raises expectations for his performance in this crucial game. With only 26 days remaining until Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins on March 26th, his readiness for the upcoming MLB season is under close observation.
As the championship game unfolds, observers are keen to see if Buxton can break his hitting slump and contribute to Team USA’s quest for victory. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on both Buxton and the team to deliver a strong performance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Buxton’s overall readiness for the regular season following his limited play in the World Baseball Classic.
