Twins place Byron Buxton on disabled list because of migraine

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Outfielder Byron Buxton was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday after missing a second consecutive game because of a migraine.

Outfielder Ryan LaMarre, who was already with the team as a special 26th man for the Puerto Rico Series, was moved to the 25-man roster. So the Twins had one less player for Wednesday's game against Cleveland.

The Twins were ready to put Buxton in the lineup Tuesday when he arrived at Hiram Bithorn Stadium showing symptoms and was sent back to the team hotel.

"You could tell he wasn't right when he came in," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "He got checked out and we sent him back to the hotel."

When Buxton showed symptoms again Wednesday, the decision was made to place him on the DL. Buxton suffered from migraines last season and had a DL stint for a groin muscle strain extended because they came back when he was about to return to action. He was placed on the DL July 15 and wasn't reinstated until Aug. 1 that time.

And that growing history is leading the Twins to be cautious with their talented outfielder.

"I'm concerned because there is history there," Molitor said. "I know I called him early [Wednesday] and he was disappointed, but he's got to take care of himself first and foremost."

He's been examined by team physician Dr. Tom Jetzer while in Puerto Rico.

"It's going to be different for each person in terms of severity," Twins Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey said. "Each episode can be different, in terms of severity. He's not feeling very well. So our best bet is to wait this one out."

Twins catcher Jason Castro, who has had migraine issues of his own, knows what Buxton is feeling.

"I have them very infrequently, but I can sympathize with what he is going through," Castro said. "The thing is there is nothing you can do, just isolate yourself and hope that it goes away."

Max Kepler started in center Wednesday while Robbie Grossman started in right field and batted eighth.

LaMarre made the team as a long shot during spring training but was sent to Class AAA Rochester on Friday when the Twins needed an extra pitcher. While he was in Puerto Rico as the 26th man, he could not officially be recalled from Rochester unless there was an injury.

Since LaMarre can play all three outfield spots, the move was a no-brainer.

Cleveland's Francisco Lindor high-stepped out of his dugout during pregame introductions Tuesday, living in the moment as he was about to play a game in front of his friends, family and numerous fans.

When he cranked out a two-run home run in the fifth inning, he waived his arms with glee as he circled the bases.

That — combined with the cheers, singing, horn playing, bleacher banging and thundersticks clapping — is giving players here a firsthand experience of how the game is played in the Caribbean.

Lindor apologized if any of his actions were perceived to be out of line, but the Twins said that was unnecessary.

"Our game has changed in what you may call acceptable showism," Molitor said. "I think it's good for the game."

Righthander Phil Hughes, still on a minor league rehabilitation assignment followed a left oblique strain, will throw in the bullpen Thursday and is an option to start Sunday when the Twins play Tampa Bay.

Jake Odorizzi is also available on normal rest.

Falvey said righthander Ervin Santana is up to throwing from 90 feet as he works his way back from surgery on his right middle finger.

"He's pushing our trainers to throw more," Falvey said. "As I told you in spring training, I knew this was going to happen. We have to keep him on the right schedule and not push it too much."