Pitcher Joe Ryan and center fielder Byron Buxton had stellar games Tuesday night on the big stage in Atlanta. The AL rallied to force a swing-off but lost to the NL.

It was a strong showing by Ryan, a deserving All-Star who probably shouldn't have needed to get in as a replacement player. He's been outstanding all season for the Twins, who have dealt with injuries and poor performance from other key members of their rotation.

Buxton is the son of Felton and Carrie Buxton. His father, Felton, made his living as a truck driver, eventually owning a trucking company. Byron has paid homage to his father with a truck driver celebration after home runs.

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.

The Minnesota Twins held All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of the starting lineup on Thursday because of a bruised left hand that is not expected to affect his availability for long.

The stage is set for a fun Friday night at Target Field featuring Ryan vs. fellow All-Star Paul Skenes and a postgame concert.

Initial X-rays were negative, but the injury takes place five days before Buxton's scheduled to compete in the Home Run Derby.