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 collected hits in the first, second and third innings against the Pirates before going yard in the seventh

Minnesota Twins Center Fielder Byron Buxton just finished off a historic first half of the regular season. He has 21 home runs and 17 stolen bases at the All-Star break.

Pretty much every kid who swung a bat in the state of Georgia in the 1990s idolized Chipper Jones. The switch-hitting, smooth-fielding, do-it-all MVP of the dynasty-era Atlanta Braves inspired a generation of young ballplayers.

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.