For all the evidence that Byron Buxton has had an All-Star season, the supporting statistics start and end with this simple number: 73.

And this time, after consulting with teammates, family and friends, the Twins center fielder is going as a Monday night Home Run Derby participant next week, too. The last, and first, time Buxton played in the All-Star Game was 2022 in Los Angeles, when he homered in an American League victory at Dodger Stadium.

As far as the Twins are concerned, every time Byron Buxton steps on a baseball field, he’s an All-Star. Sunday’s announcement just made it official. For the second time in his career, Minnesota's sensational center fielder is headed to the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard,