By John Shipley

Pioneer Press

DETROIT — Byron Buxton has started August the way he started the month last season: hitting.

The Twins center fielder entered Friday night’s game against the Tigers at Comerica Park hitting .226, but .290 since returning from the disabled list on Aug. 1, and .365 (with a .421 on-base percentage) since July 4.

More important, the Twins are 17-9 in those games, which is why manager Paul Molitor doesn’t settle on the offensive numbers when talking about the young outfielder’s play. Neither does second baseman Brian Dozier.

“People say, ‘Numbers don’t lie,’ “ Dozier said. “Numbers lie more than anything in the game. It’s biggest lie in all of sports, the numbers. Because that guy has changed the game for our pitching staff more than anybody. And I’m not talking about the running-up-against-the-wall catches; I’m talking about even little bloopers in the gaps, plays that people don’t really see.

“I don’t care if he hits .180; that guy changes the game more than anybody I’ve seen in this game over my six years, defensively.”

There are corresponding numbers. Buxton ranks first in Total Zone Runs (20) and Range Factor (3.12) for an outfielder, and his 1.9 Defensive Wins Above Replacement ranks fourth.

There also is anecdotal evidence, such as his leaping stab at Miguel Cabrera’s would-be double in dead center in Friday night’s 9-4 victory over the Tigers at Comerica Park —one of the best by any major league outfielder this season.