Pitcher Joe Ryan and center fielder Byron Buxton had stellar games Tuesday night on the big stage in Atlanta. The AL rallied to force a swing-off but lost to the NL.

Buxton is the son of Felton and Carrie Buxton. His father, Felton, made his living as a truck driver, eventually owning a trucking company. Byron has paid homage to his father with a truck driver celebration after home runs.

Buxton is 31, owed around $45 million from 2026-28 for a team that counts pennies, and has dealt with wrist, thumb, groin, head, toe, shoulder, hip, hand, and knee injuries, just to name a few, which too often have hindered one of the most-hyped prospects ever in an 11-year career.

The Minnesota Twins held All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of the starting lineup on Thursday because of a bruised left hand that is not expected to affect his availability for long.

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 New York Mets have no shortage of star players. However, they may need one more star in their lineup to solidify themselves as the team to beat in the National League.