Former Twins teammates Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano had an emotional reunion on the field this weekend as Sano, now playing for the Los Angeles Angels, faced his former team for the first time. Buxton greeted Sano with a warm embrace, expressing pride in his recovery from injuries that ended his Twins career.
Sano, who first injured his left knee in April 2022, eventually underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He rehabbed and returned from the injured list in July 2022, but landed back on the injured list days later. He played in just 20 games in 2022, his last season in Minnesota.
Despite the setbacks, Sano remained determined to return to the field. He spent 2023 working on his knee, losing weight, and preparing for the 2024 season. His efforts paid off as he made the Angels out of spring training and has been playing both first and third base.
Coming into Friday’s game, Sano was hitting .271 with one home run and five RBIs in 20 games. He expressed excitement about facing his former team and gratitude for the opportunity they gave him to play professional baseball.
Buxton echoed Sano’s sentiments, saying that the two communicated “all the time” and that Sano was still “like [his] brother.” Manager Rocco Baldelli also praised Sano’s work ethic and contributions to the Twins, saying that he was “always great in the clubhouse with his teammates.”
Despite the departure of some of his other longtime teammates, Sano said he remained in touch with many of them, referring to them as family. The reunion between Buxton and Sano was a reminder of the bond they formed during their time with the Twins and the mutual respect they have for each other, both on and off the field.
