Byron Buxton, Jose Berrios Promoted to Elizabethton

In a move that is rather surprising, Twins Daily has learned the 2012 first-round draft pick Byron Buxton and supplemental first-round pick Jose (J.O.) Berrios have been promoted to short-season Elizabethton.

Buxton, an 18-year-old outfielder from rural Georgia, was the #2 overall pick in this June's draft. He signed a $6 million signing bonus and reported to Ft. Myers. He missed about ten days with a hamstring injury, but has been playing well of late. In 27 games with the GCL Twins, Buxton is 19-88, hitting .216/.324/.466 (.789). He has four doubles, three triples, four home runs and 14 RBI. He has also stolen 14 bases.

Berrios, an 18-year-old right-hander from Puerto Rico, was the first of two supplemental first round picks the Twins had in the 2012 draft. He has been terrific for the GCL Twins. In eight games, he has thrown 16.2 innings. He has given up just seven hits, walked three and struckout 27 baters. He is 1-0 with four saves and a 1.08 ERA. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

Buxton and Berrios will join the Twins other second-round pick in Elizabethton. Right-hander Luke Bard also recently started pitching for the E-Twins after signing and doing some rehab work in the GCL. Also, the two Twins supplemental draft picks from the 2011 draft, 3B Travis Harrison and RHP Hudson Boyd are playing for the E-Twins.

The Elizabethton Twins find themselves in a familiar place a top the Appalachian League West Division. They are currently 29-14 and 5 1/2 games ahead of Johnson City and Greeneville.

(Check out this site for more "Cards" of top 2012 draft picks)