The Minnesota Twins are in Detroit for Game 2 of their three-game set, and the situation is already getting tense. After a brutal 10-4 loss in the opener—where the Tigers’ bats exploded for four home runs, including two from catcher Dillon Dingler—the Twins are reportedly scrambling to find answers. And now, sources say they’ve made a dramatic lineup change that hasn’t been seen in months.
Byron Buxton Moved Out of Leadoff Spot for First Time Since April
For the first time since April 5, Byron Buxton is not batting leadoff. According to insider Aaron Gleeman, the veteran outfielder has been dropped to the No. 2 hole, with Austin Martin taking over the leadoff duties against a left-handed pitcher. This isn’t just a minor tweak—it’s a seismic shift for a team that has leaned heavily on Buxton’s spark at the top of the order all season.
“It’s a clear sign that the front office and coaching staff are getting restless,” one team insider told us, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They need production, and the leadoff spot hasn’t been the problem. It’s the guys behind him who aren’t stepping up.”
The Numbers Tell a Frustrating Story
Buxton, now 32, is still putting up elite numbers. He’s slashing .255 with 19 home runs and an .870 OPS—most of that damage coming from the leadoff spot. But the problem? The rest of the lineup is reportedly failing to capitalize. Despite four solo home runs in the loss—Buxton, Josh Bell, Brooks Lee, and Kody Clemons all went deep—the Twins managed only four runs. No rallies, no timely hits, just empty power.
Royce Lewis, expected to be the team’s second-best bat, has struggled mightily this season. Hitting third, he hasn’t delivered the kind of protection Buxton needs. Sources close to the team claim there’s growing concern in the clubhouse that the lineup lacks balance, and that moving Buxton down could be the first of several shake-ups.
What This Means Going Forward
Manager Derek Shelton is reportedly trying anything to spark more run production. The move to slot Martin at leadoff, Buxton at second, and Lewis at first base (for the third straight game) is a gamble—but insiders say it’s one the Twins felt they had to make. “If this doesn’t work, don’t be surprised to see bigger changes,” one observer noted. “There’s a lot of pressure on this team to perform.”
Fans are buzzing about whether Buxton can adjust to a new role, and whether Martin can handle the pressure of leading off. With the Tigers riding high after their offensive explosion, Game 2 feels like a must-win for Minnesota. And all eyes will be on Buxton—not at the top, but in a spot that could reportedly redefine his season.
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