Byron Buxton Ruled Out, Insert Alex Kirilloff For His Debut In Must-Win Game Today

Minnesota Twins centerfielder Byron Buxton was officially ruled out for game 2 and that gave rookie outfielder Alex Kirilloff the start. Obviously not ideal to ask a rookie to help win an elimination game, but this is his MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT! Injuries made this happen and all we can do now is wish the kid the best of luck.

Kirilloff is currently 0-1 in this must-win game with Houston, but the stakes are high for everyone. Playing the rookie should serve as a shot in the arm considering the Twins wouldn't put him there if he couldn't handle it. Dad doesn't throw you the keys to his favorite car if doesn't think you can drive the damn thing.

Alex Kirilloff is the #32 prospect in all of baseball and hit .283 with 9 homers in AA as a 21-year-old. The kid can play, but it remains to be seen how he deals with the pressure of debuting with the city of Minnesota on his shoulders.

The Twins are trying to snap a 17-game playoff skid right now and you can see it all on ESPN 2.