Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder
Byron Buxtonagainst the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
New Britain center-fielder Byron Buxton, the game’s number one overall prospect, was carted off the field in Wednesday’s night game and left New Britain Stadium in an ambulance after colliding with teammate Mike Kvasnicka in right-center field.
According to Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant, Buxton had dived and, fully parallel to the ground, crashed his “neck/shoulder” into Kvasnicka’s knee.
Buxton reportedly lay motionless for several minutes before being carted off and concern is now more on his general safety well-being than on when he will play again. Kvasnika left the field on his own power but was also taken to the hospital.
Buxton, who was drafted by the Twins with the second overall pick in the 2012 draft, had been making his debut with the Rock Cats, having just been promoted from High-A Cedar Rapids. The 20 year old missed most of the season’s first three months with a wrist injury.