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.

The Minnesota Twins have kept All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of Thursday's starting lineup due to a bruised left hand.

The Twins missed Buxton’s presence during series finale against the Cubs. There were a few occasions when a ball hit to the outfield found it’s way to the ground and the offense never got revved up with the team’s hottest hitter stuck on the pine.

Twins All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton is, perhaps unsurprisingly, out of the lineup for Thursday afternoon's series finale against the Cubs. Buxton left Wednesday night's game an inning after being hit by a 98 mile-per-hour fastball on the top of his left hand. The good news is he appears to have avoided a significant injury.

Byron Buxton has had an All-Star season for the Minnesota Twins highlighted by his consistent presence in the lineup.

Harrison Bader will get the starting nod in center field in Buxton's stead Thursday.

Buxton, a Georgia native, will be heading home for his second All-Star Game, but the Twins' top pitchers were passed over for the AL team.

The New York Mets have no shortage of star players. However, they may need one more star in their lineup to solidify themselves as the team to beat in the National League.