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AP Sports Week in Pictures: Pitcher Randy Vazquez, Olympic flame and Nelly Korda's pond splash

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AP Sports Week in Pictures: Pitcher Randy Vazquez, Olympic flame and Nelly Korda's pond splash
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AP Sports Week in Pictures: Pitcher Randy Vazquez, Olympic flame and Nelly Korda's pond splash

2024-04-23 19:28 Last Updated At:19:51

Associated Press photographers were there for San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Vazquez working in the shadows and the lighting of a cauldron with the Olympic flame at the ancient Parthenon temple in Athens.

Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya raised her arms in triumph while crossing the finish line at the London Marathon. Nelly Korda took the traditional jump into the lake after winning a record-tying fifth straight LPGA tournament at the Chevron Championship in The Woodlands, Texas.

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry sits on the court during the second half of the team's NBA basketball play-in tournament game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Associated Press photographers were there for San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Vazquez working in the shadows and the lighting of a cauldron with the Olympic flame at the ancient Parthenon temple in Athens.

Pajaree Anannarukarn, of Thailand, hits from the 10th fairway during the second round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Friday, April 19, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Pajaree Anannarukarn, of Thailand, hits from the 10th fairway during the second round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Friday, April 19, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the women's race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 21, 2024.(AP Photo/David Cliff)

Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the women's race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 21, 2024.(AP Photo/David Cliff)

John Ramirez, right, punches Costa Rica's David Jimenez, left, during the fifth round of an interim world super flyweight title boxing match Saturday, April 20, 2024, in New York. Jimenez won the fight. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

John Ramirez, right, punches Costa Rica's David Jimenez, left, during the fifth round of an interim world super flyweight title boxing match Saturday, April 20, 2024, in New York. Jimenez won the fight. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots between New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III and guard CJ McCollum in the second half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in New Orleans. The Lakers won 110-106. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots between New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III and guard CJ McCollum in the second half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in New Orleans. The Lakers won 110-106. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka, center, is embraced by Jonathan Tah as the team celebrates after Josip Stanisic scored in the last minute during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in Dortmund, Germany, Sunday, April 21, 2024. The match ended 1-1, Leverkusen is unbeaten since a record of 45 matches. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka, center, is embraced by Jonathan Tah as the team celebrates after Josip Stanisic scored in the last minute during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in Dortmund, Germany, Sunday, April 21, 2024. The match ended 1-1, Leverkusen is unbeaten since a record of 45 matches. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Casper Ruud of Norway lifts the trophy after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, right, 7-5, 6-3 during the final of the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Casper Ruud of Norway lifts the trophy after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, right, 7-5, 6-3 during the final of the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, left, reacts after scoring a goal against Philadelphia Flyers' Samuel Ersson during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, left, reacts after scoring a goal against Philadelphia Flyers' Samuel Ersson during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger celebrates at the end of the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger celebrates at the end of the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Cincinnati Reds' Jake Fraley is originally called safe stealing third base by umpire Rob Drake in front of the tag from Seattle Mariners third baseman Josh Rojas, left, during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, April 15, 2024, in Seattle. Fraley lost his balance and was then called out. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Cincinnati Reds' Jake Fraley is originally called safe stealing third base by umpire Rob Drake in front of the tag from Seattle Mariners third baseman Josh Rojas, left, during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, April 15, 2024, in Seattle. Fraley lost his balance and was then called out. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Hira Naveed reacts to her shot on the eighth green during the first round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Thursday, April 18, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Hira Naveed reacts to her shot on the eighth green during the first round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Thursday, April 18, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Runners cross Tower Bridge during the London Marathon, London, Sunday April 21, 2024. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)

Runners cross Tower Bridge during the London Marathon, London, Sunday April 21, 2024. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)

Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid, top, duels for the ball with Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage stadium in London, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid, top, duels for the ball with Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage stadium in London, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

NASCAR Cup Series driver's Ryan Preece (41) Josh Berry (4) and Corey LaJoie (7), upside down, crash on the final lap during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Talladega. Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

NASCAR Cup Series driver's Ryan Preece (41) Josh Berry (4) and Corey LaJoie (7), upside down, crash on the final lap during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Talladega. Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Red Star fans light fireworks during a Serbian National soccer league derby match between Red Star and Partizan in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Red Star fans light fireworks during a Serbian National soccer league derby match between Red Star and Partizan in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Retired Greek 400-meter hurdles champion Periklis Iakovakis lights a cauldron with the Olympic flame in front of the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill, Friday, April 19, 2024. The flame that will burn at the summer Olympics is spending the night at the ancient Acropolis in Athens, a week before its handover to Paris 2024 organizers. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Retired Greek 400-meter hurdles champion Periklis Iakovakis lights a cauldron with the Olympic flame in front of the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill, Friday, April 19, 2024. The flame that will burn at the summer Olympics is spending the night at the ancient Acropolis in Athens, a week before its handover to Paris 2024 organizers. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Dortmund players celebrate after the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at the Signal-Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, April 16, 2024(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Dortmund players celebrate after the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at the Signal-Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, April 16, 2024(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang slides safely past San Diego Padres catcher Kyle Higashioka during the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang slides safely past San Diego Padres catcher Kyle Higashioka during the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Real Madrid players celebrate after wining the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Real Madrid players celebrate after wining the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, left, looks to pass against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso and center Nikola Vucevic, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game in Chicago, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, left, looks to pass against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso and center Nikola Vucevic, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game in Chicago, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Nelly Korda jumps into the lake after winning the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Sunday, April 21, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Nelly Korda jumps into the lake after winning the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Sunday, April 21, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate fights for the ball with Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca, left, during the Europa League quarterfinal, second leg, soccer match between Atalanta and Liverpool at the Stadio di Bergamo, in Bergamo, Italy, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate fights for the ball with Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca, left, during the Europa League quarterfinal, second leg, soccer match between Atalanta and Liverpool at the Stadio di Bergamo, in Bergamo, Italy, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Chicago Cubs' Ian Happ, front left, celebrates his grand slam against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammates, including Nico Hoerner (2) and Cody Bellinger (24), during the seventh inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Chicago Cubs' Ian Happ, front left, celebrates his grand slam against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammates, including Nico Hoerner (2) and Cody Bellinger (24), during the seventh inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vazquez works against a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vazquez works against a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate fought for the ball with Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca during the Europa League quarterfinals in Bergamo, Italy.

Retired Greek 400-meter hurdles champion Periklis Iakovakis lit a cauldron with the Olympic flame, which will burn at the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

The selection was curated by Mike Conroy.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry sits on the court during the second half of the team's NBA basketball play-in tournament game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry sits on the court during the second half of the team's NBA basketball play-in tournament game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Pajaree Anannarukarn, of Thailand, hits from the 10th fairway during the second round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Friday, April 19, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Pajaree Anannarukarn, of Thailand, hits from the 10th fairway during the second round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Friday, April 19, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the women's race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 21, 2024.(AP Photo/David Cliff)

Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the women's race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 21, 2024.(AP Photo/David Cliff)

John Ramirez, right, punches Costa Rica's David Jimenez, left, during the fifth round of an interim world super flyweight title boxing match Saturday, April 20, 2024, in New York. Jimenez won the fight. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

John Ramirez, right, punches Costa Rica's David Jimenez, left, during the fifth round of an interim world super flyweight title boxing match Saturday, April 20, 2024, in New York. Jimenez won the fight. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots between New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III and guard CJ McCollum in the second half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in New Orleans. The Lakers won 110-106. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots between New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III and guard CJ McCollum in the second half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in New Orleans. The Lakers won 110-106. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka, center, is embraced by Jonathan Tah as the team celebrates after Josip Stanisic scored in the last minute during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in Dortmund, Germany, Sunday, April 21, 2024. The match ended 1-1, Leverkusen is unbeaten since a record of 45 matches. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka, center, is embraced by Jonathan Tah as the team celebrates after Josip Stanisic scored in the last minute during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in Dortmund, Germany, Sunday, April 21, 2024. The match ended 1-1, Leverkusen is unbeaten since a record of 45 matches. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Casper Ruud of Norway lifts the trophy after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, right, 7-5, 6-3 during the final of the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Casper Ruud of Norway lifts the trophy after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, right, 7-5, 6-3 during the final of the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, left, reacts after scoring a goal against Philadelphia Flyers' Samuel Ersson during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, left, reacts after scoring a goal against Philadelphia Flyers' Samuel Ersson during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger celebrates at the end of the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger celebrates at the end of the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Cincinnati Reds' Jake Fraley is originally called safe stealing third base by umpire Rob Drake in front of the tag from Seattle Mariners third baseman Josh Rojas, left, during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, April 15, 2024, in Seattle. Fraley lost his balance and was then called out. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Cincinnati Reds' Jake Fraley is originally called safe stealing third base by umpire Rob Drake in front of the tag from Seattle Mariners third baseman Josh Rojas, left, during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, April 15, 2024, in Seattle. Fraley lost his balance and was then called out. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Hira Naveed reacts to her shot on the eighth green during the first round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Thursday, April 18, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Hira Naveed reacts to her shot on the eighth green during the first round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Thursday, April 18, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Runners cross Tower Bridge during the London Marathon, London, Sunday April 21, 2024. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)

Runners cross Tower Bridge during the London Marathon, London, Sunday April 21, 2024. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)

Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid, top, duels for the ball with Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage stadium in London, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid, top, duels for the ball with Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage stadium in London, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

NASCAR Cup Series driver's Ryan Preece (41) Josh Berry (4) and Corey LaJoie (7), upside down, crash on the final lap during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Talladega. Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

NASCAR Cup Series driver's Ryan Preece (41) Josh Berry (4) and Corey LaJoie (7), upside down, crash on the final lap during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Talladega. Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Red Star fans light fireworks during a Serbian National soccer league derby match between Red Star and Partizan in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Red Star fans light fireworks during a Serbian National soccer league derby match between Red Star and Partizan in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Retired Greek 400-meter hurdles champion Periklis Iakovakis lights a cauldron with the Olympic flame in front of the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill, Friday, April 19, 2024. The flame that will burn at the summer Olympics is spending the night at the ancient Acropolis in Athens, a week before its handover to Paris 2024 organizers. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Retired Greek 400-meter hurdles champion Periklis Iakovakis lights a cauldron with the Olympic flame in front of the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill, Friday, April 19, 2024. The flame that will burn at the summer Olympics is spending the night at the ancient Acropolis in Athens, a week before its handover to Paris 2024 organizers. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Dortmund players celebrate after the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at the Signal-Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, April 16, 2024(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Dortmund players celebrate after the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at the Signal-Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, April 16, 2024(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang slides safely past San Diego Padres catcher Kyle Higashioka during the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang slides safely past San Diego Padres catcher Kyle Higashioka during the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Real Madrid players celebrate after wining the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Real Madrid players celebrate after wining the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, left, looks to pass against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso and center Nikola Vucevic, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game in Chicago, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, left, looks to pass against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso and center Nikola Vucevic, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game in Chicago, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Nelly Korda jumps into the lake after winning the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Sunday, April 21, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Nelly Korda jumps into the lake after winning the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Sunday, April 21, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate fights for the ball with Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca, left, during the Europa League quarterfinal, second leg, soccer match between Atalanta and Liverpool at the Stadio di Bergamo, in Bergamo, Italy, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate fights for the ball with Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca, left, during the Europa League quarterfinal, second leg, soccer match between Atalanta and Liverpool at the Stadio di Bergamo, in Bergamo, Italy, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Chicago Cubs' Ian Happ, front left, celebrates his grand slam against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammates, including Nico Hoerner (2) and Cody Bellinger (24), during the seventh inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Chicago Cubs' Ian Happ, front left, celebrates his grand slam against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammates, including Nico Hoerner (2) and Cody Bellinger (24), during the seventh inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vazquez works against a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vazquez works against a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins put center fielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list Friday because of inflammation in his troublesome right knee, with guarded optimism his latest absence can be kept to the minimum.

Buxton exited early from the game at Chicago on Wednesday after experiencing soreness in the knee that he's had two surgeries on and limited him to a designated hitter role last season. The discomfort caused him to pull up short while trying to steal second base for a third consecutive time, after the first two attempts were thwarted by foul balls.

“This is a long season. He wants to be in a good place, because he is still dealing with some tenderness and some tightness," president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said. "You don’t want to be chasing that every couple of days, so we want to try and get ahead of it here.”

Buxton is batting .250 with eight doubles, one triple, one home run, 12 runs and 11 RBIs in 28 games this season. The Twins recalled multi-position player Austin Martin from Triple-A St. Paul to take his roster spot. Willi Castro was in center field Friday in the series opener against Boston.

Buxton has played more than 92 games only once in 10 years in the major leagues. The 30-year-old played center field in 20 of Minnesota's first 30 games and was the DH in four others, with four other appearances as a sub.

The move was made retroactive to Thursday. Both Falvey and manager Rocco Baldelli said Friday they believe Buxton is on a realistic track to be ready to return when he's eligible May 12, or at least a few days after that. An MRI test on his knee revealed no structural damage.

“He cares so much. In his mind, he does not want to let anybody down, and he wants to just say he’s fine," Baldelli said. "His initial reaction is always to say, ‘I’m good.’ When he can’t say, ‘I’m good,’ it hurts him and we reached that point in the last game where he can’t say it.”

Meanwhile, third baseman Royce Lewis has been “tracking in a pretty good direction,” Falvey said. Lewis, who tore his right quadriceps while running the bases during his second at-bat in the season opener, has resumed swinging in the batting cage, running up to 70% speed and some other light work on the field.

Lewis had a recent checkup that confirmed he's on schedule, but that was hardly comforting to the 24-year-old whose major league career has been limited to 71 games because of two ACL tears and subsequent knee reconstructions.

“Any time I see a doctor, I feel like it’s negative now. I think they say it went just how they expected, but for me, I took it like, ‘I can’t play. It’s bad.’ You know what I mean?” said Lewis, the first overall pick in the 2017 amateur draft. "Unless I can say I can play, it’s all bad news. So that’s where I’m at.”

Lewis said this rehab has been more challenging, mentally at least, than his ACL recoveries.

“The hardest thing is not having a timeline,” Lewis said, adding: "I trust my body to be doing its thing. I heal very fast. If I feel this good, obviously, I can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like in another two weeks or whatever, however long. Hopefully, it’s shorter.”

Noting that the muscle is still in the process of reattaching, Lewis said he understands why the Twins are taking a deliberate approach with his rehab.

“I just miss the game. I would do anything to go play every day, just like I was when I was a little kid,” Lewis said.

The Twins also had an injury pop up to a key reliever, right-hander Brock Stewart, when he was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder tendinitis on Friday. Left-hander Kody Funderburk was recalled from St. Paul to fill in. Earlier in the day, right-hander Jorge Alcala was brought up for the bullpen and right-hander Caleb Boushley was sent down without appearing in a game.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton stands for The Star-Spangled Banner before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Monday, April 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton stands for The Star-Spangled Banner before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Monday, April 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton steals second base during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton steals second base during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

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