Center fielder Byron Buxton is not in the Minnesota Twins' lineup Wednesday because "he's not at 100%," manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters before Game 2.
Baldelli said before the game that Buxton could be available off the bench if his condition improves. Buxton was inserted into the game as a pinch runner in the bottom of the eighth inning but was picked off.
Buxton was hit in the helmet by a pitch on Friday and had "mild" concussion symptoms. He was cleared for Game 1 on Tuesday and played the entire game.
Max Kepler started in center in Game 2. Rookie Alex Kirilloff, who has yet to make his MLB debut, started in right field.
The Twins trail the best-of-3 wild-card series against the Houston Astros 1-0 after losing 4-1 Tuesday, their 17th straight postseason defeat.