Twins Defeat Rays 10-4 in Home Opener

Tristan Gray hits grand slam, but Byron Buxton suffers injury

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:35am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a baseball game, with players' forms blending into vibrant brushstrokes.A burst of color and energy captures the excitement of the Twins' home opener, despite the cloud of uncertainty surrounding Byron Buxton's injury.Minneapolis Today

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 10-4 in their 2026 home opener, highlighted by a grand slam from Tristan Gray, the Twins' No. 9 hitter. However, the game was marred by an injury to star outfielder Byron Buxton.

Why it matters

The Twins are hoping to build on a promising 2025 season and make a deep playoff run in 2026. Buxton's health will be crucial to their success, as he is one of the team's most valuable players. Gray's grand slam provided a bright spot, but the injury to Buxton overshadowed the win.

The details

In the bottom of the 6th inning, with the Twins already leading 6-4, Tristan Gray stepped up to the plate and launched a grand slam to extend the lead to 10-4. However, in the top of the 8th inning, Buxton suffered an apparent leg injury while running the bases and had to be helped off the field.

  • The game was delayed by 57 minutes due to a power outage.
  • Gray's grand slam came in the bottom of the 6th inning.
  • Buxton's injury occurred in the top of the 8th inning.

The players

Tristan Gray

The Twins' No. 9 hitter who hit a grand slam in the 6th inning.

Byron Buxton

The Twins' star outfielder who suffered an injury while running the bases in the 8th inning.

Minnesota Twins

The home team that defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 10-4 in their 2026 home opener.

Tampa Bay Rays

The visiting team that lost to the Minnesota Twins 10-4 in the 2026 home opener.

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What they’re saying

“We're hoping it's not too serious, but we'll have to wait and see on Byron's injury.”

— Rocco Baldelli, Twins Manager

What’s next

The Twins will provide an update on Buxton's injury status in the coming days.

The takeaway

The Twins' home opener was a mixed bag, with a big win overshadowed by a potentially significant injury to their star player. The team's success this season may hinge on Buxton's recovery and ability to stay healthy.