Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton appeared to injure himself while unsuccessfully attempting to steal a base on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox.
Buxton immediately exited the game with right knee soreness, which could mean there’s yet another trip to the injured list in store for a profoundly talented player.
After getting tagged out, Buxton took his time exiting the field because, well, he wasn’t feeling great. In the moment, first base umpire Rob Drake did not properly read the situation and took issue with Buxton’s pace, encouraging the speedster to show some hustle.
The Twins’ broadcast took note of that exchange and didn’t appreciate it.
The Bally Sports North crew of Cory Provus, Trevor Plouffe and LaTroy Hawkins probably are right in their criticism of Drake. It wasn’t entirely appropriate given the circumstances.
But on the other hand, MLB has put such an emphasis on speeding up the games that one can understand when an umpire is a little too aggressive about furthering that goal.
