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MN Twins Injury Update: Royce Lewis Rehab Assignment Underway
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- MN Twins Injury Update: Royce Lewis Rehab Assignment Underway
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Things continue to go bad for the Minnesota Twins. They dropped to 9-16 on the season after a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Rain came down all afternoon and ultimately got the game called after seven innings. A small bright spot may be the announcement that a Royce Lewis return is near.
Despite a series victory Rocco Baldelli's lineup continues to look lifeless. They have struggled to hit early on in multiple previous seasons and that has been the case this time around as well.
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Royce Lewis has yet to play a game for the big league team after suffering a hamstring injury during Spring Training . Maybe his bat can provide a jolt to the club once he rejoins the lineup.
Royce Lewis getting closer for Minnesota Twins
On March 16 Royce Lewis attempted to beat out an infield single during Grapefruit League action . He pulled up before reaching first base and left the game with a hamstring injury. Now, over a month later, he is set to begin a rehab assignment for the Minnesota Twins.
3B Royce Lewis will begin a rehab assignment with St Paul on Friday, Twins announce.
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) April 24, 2025
Recently Lewis did on field running at Target Field. Thursday was a big milestone day for him, and he has progressed to the point of game action. Minnesota's Triple-A affiliate St. Paul is at home currently hosting the Indianapolis Indians. Lewis will join them on Friday.
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St. Paul is currently scheduled for a doubleheader on Friday. Lewis won't play both of those games. The Saints also have scheduled contests on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. It remains to be seen how aggressive Minnesota will be when it comes to getting him back on the big league roster.
Royce Lewis was out running the bases and sliding today. He's nearing a rehab assignment. pic.twitter.com/c3Yb3cIPnA
— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) April 23, 2025
Brooks Lee played in just four rehab games (three with Triple-A) before returning to the roster. Brock Stewart made two rehab appearances with High-A Fort Myers and joined the Twins. Last season Minnesota played in six rehab games before rejoining the Twins following his first injury.
Lewis played in just 82 games last season after an injury on Opening Day cost him considerable time. He also missed action with an oblique injury. His .233/.295/.452 slash line was reflective of offensive struggles for the first time in his career.
This spring was encouraging for Lewis. In 12 games he batted .346/.469/.423 with a pair of doubles, just two strikeouts, and four walks.
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MN Twins infield could get crowded
Prior to his injury the Twins had Royce Lewis penciled in as their every day third baseman. That role was initially taken over by Jose Miranda, but is now manned by Brooks Lee. In nine games Lee is just 5-for-30 with one home run, but he remains likely to stick.
Carlos Correa will forever be Minnesota's shortstop unless he is injured. That puts the focus on second base. Luke Keaschall was recently promoted and has reached base in all six games in which he has played. Edouard Julien has been up with Minnesota for 22 games, but he is batting just .225 with a .611 OPS and owns a 20/4 K/BB .
Related: Minnesota Twins Legends in Tough Shape After Recent Health Scares
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The Twins could stick Lewis at the hot corner and move Lee over to second base. He'd rotate with Keaschall, who works as a designated hitter as well. Willi Castro was recently put on the injured list with a strained oblique. While his injury is expected to be minimal, he'll need to rotate in when healthy as well.
Minnesota having more mouths to feed on the dirt is hardly a bad thing. They just need to find a way to have more of them start producing at the plate.
