Buxton 'feeling great, no issues' and more Twins injury updates from Zoll

MINNEAPOLIS -- With the annual General Managers Meetings under way this week in Las Vegas, one of the unofficial kickoff points for Hot Stove season has begun. Twins GM Jeremy Zoll answered questions from reporters in a public session on Tuesday, and among other things, he provided a slew of injury updates and news from the current roster. Here are some of the more noteworthy developments. Outfielder Byron Buxton is “feeling great, no issues," following surgery to repair a right hip impingement . Zoll said that Buxton, who was bothered by the hip injury for much of the season and especially the second half, is progressing toward a normal offseason lower body routine. The hope is that Buxton will be cleared for baseball activity following a Dec. 21 followup exam with his doctors. In a somewhat surprising development, left fielder Trevor Larnach will be undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist on Friday. Larnach was dealing with a wrist issue down the stretch that ultimately landed him on the injured list, but the hope was that he would avoid surgery. However, as he began ramping up his offseason program, he experienced renewed symptoms in the joint and he will “get a cleanup” later this week. Per Zoll, the Twins “do not expect it to impact readiness for Spring Training or the season.” Right-hander Pablo López will begin throwing off a mound very soon. López, who underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery , is approaching the end of the long toss/flat ground portion of his throwing program and will begin throwing off a mound next week, with a bullpen session expected on or about Nov. 20. Per Zoll, López “continues to track on the same trajectory” as expected, which should have him ready for the beginning of the 2027 season. Center fielder Walker Jenkins is “doing well” six weeks after arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. The procedure was always hoped to be relatively minor, with the idea to knock out some recurring discomfort that had bothered him for quite a while. Jenkins should be a “full go” when Spring Training starts, per Zoll. Reliever Jeff Hoffman is still in the relatively early recovery phase from his right elbow surgery, about two weeks out. Hoffman, whose season ended on the IL due to the elbow issue, is “tracking well” for Spring Training, Zoll said. The right-handed reliever should begin throwing off a mound in mid-January. Right-hander Zebby Matthews , who was diagnosed with an elbow strain at the end of the year, received a PRP injection in the joint and is “progressing well.” He should begin throwing within a week or two and should be able to enjoy a relatively normal ramp-up to the season beginning around Jan. 1. Right-hander Cole Sands , who underwent surgery late in the year, has experienced “no complications” in his recovery as he looks to return from a troublesome elbow that cost him almost the entire season. Sands should be able to complete a “full offseason program, no limitations” according to the GM and will be ready for camp. Get the latest from the Twins Have the latest news, ticket information, and more from the Twins and MLB delivered right to your inbox. Sign up