ANAHEIM -- Twins rookie center fielder Byron Buxton is making progress with his sprained left thumb and could start baseball activities within the next week.
Buxton, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 26, flew home to Georgia over the weekend because of a death in the family, but he returned to Target Field early this week to continue his rehab. He's still doing strengthening exercises, and he's getting close to being able to swing the bat and play catch.
"The pain has subsided, which is good, and the flexibility has increased," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said.