Twins replace injured Alex Kirilloff with Byron Buxton

Field Level Media|published: 10/11/2023, 4:08pm EDT

Jul 21, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton (25) celebrates hitting a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning at Target Field. credits: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins replaced injured first baseman/outfielder Alex Kirilloff with outfielder Byron Buxton.

Major League Baseball approved the American League Division Series roster substitution on Wednesday.

The Houston Astros have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series, with Game 4 on Wednesday night in Minneapolis.

Kirilloff was removed for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning of Tuesday's 9-1 loss in Game 3 with an undisclosed injury.

MLB postseason rules allow teams to request permission from the commissioner's office for injury replacements.

By rule, Kirilloff would be ineligible for the American League Championship Series if Minnesota advances. He would be eligible for the World Series, however.

Kiriloff, 25, hit .270 with 11 homers and 41 RBIs in 88 games in the regular season. He is 0-for-9 with two walks and four strikeouts in the postseason.

Buxton, 29, batted .207 with 17 home runs and 42 RBIs in 85 games this season.

—Field Level Media