The stage is set for a fun Friday night at Target Field featuring Ryan vs. fellow All-Star Paul Skenes and a postgame concert.

The Minnesota Twins have kept All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of Thursday's starting lineup due to a bruised left hand.

Initial X-rays were negative, but the injury takes place five days before Buxton's scheduled to compete in the Home Run Derby.

After being looked at by a team trainer, Buxton stayed in the game and eventually scored on a hit by Ryan Jeffers. But Brooks Lee pinch hit for Buxton in the second inning. Buxton

Buxton, a Georgia native, will be heading home for his second All-Star Game, but the Twins' top pitchers were passed over for the AL team.

New York Mets slugger and two-time winner Pete Alonso joined Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in electing to skip the Home Run Derby

His second All-Star Game selection will go down as one of his greatest satisfactions in the sport, considering the path he's taken to get here and the fact that the festivities next week will be in his native Georgia.

An All-Star Game appearance, no matter where it is, is a special honor and acknowledgement. But for Byron Buxton, with the game being held in Atlanta, a little over three hours from his hometown

A Philadelphia Phillies trade idea would land Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton for Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter in a "Godfather" trade offer.