After missing significant time for yet another season, Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis is set to rejoin the team.
A successful completion of his rehab assignment means that Lewis has rejoined the Twins in time for Tuesday’s series opener against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
With that in mind, a challenging corresponding move had to be made — and the Twins decided to option second baseman Edouard Julien to Triple-A following the Twins’ win over Houston on Sunday, per Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com
“Sometimes, there is no right call or good call,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said, speaking about difficult roster decisions. “It's just, you have to make the best call in a challenging scenario.”
Lewis was placed on the IL with what president of baseball operations Derek Falvey described as a “severe” right quad strain he sustained on Opening Day.
A lot has changed since Lewis was injured – with the most significant development being that Jose Miranda has established himself as not only the interim everyday third baseman, but, ultimately, too valuable of a bat to send down upon Lewis’ return.
Miranda’s .280/.311/.469 performance this season with six homers in 44 games represents a needed resurgence from a totally lost ‘23 season during which rotator cuff issues caused his swing and throwing mechanics to be thrown out of whack following a promising rookie campaign.
He played himself solidly on to the roster with that output, which will likely see him splitting some time at third base with Lewis and also filling in at first base and designated hitter.
Miranda's play created a difficult decision between Julien, Alex Kirilloff, and even vets Kyle Farmer and Manuel Margot to make room for Lewis on the roster.
Royce Lewis' Twins career marred by injury
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft has played in just 60 games since debuting with the Twins in May of 2022. When he is in action, though, the offensive talent is undeniable. Royce Lewis hit .309 with 15 homers and 52 RBIs in 239 plate appearances in 2023. He reached his peak in October.
This season's injury marked the fifth time Lewis was placed on the IL as a professional, which, when combined with the 2020 Minor League season lost to COVID-19, has led to Lewis losing massive chunks of developmental time at or near the MLB level. Fortunately, Lewis' performance has not suffered in any way when he has been healthy, as he carries a career wRC+ of 159 in the Majors.
Lewis really came of age during the AL Wild Card Series, specifically in Game 1. He blasted two dingers off AL strikeout leader Kevin Gausman to propel Minnesota to a drought-ending playoff win. The symbolism of Lewis helping the Twins finally get over the hump suggested that things might be different in Minneapolis from this point forward – if he can stay healthy.
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