Royce Lewis Returns to Minnesota Twins…Again

The Minnesota Twins need all the help they can get right now. After dropping two of three against the Detroit Tigers over the weekend, they sit four games below .500 at 40-44.

Admittedly the problem for Rocco Baldelli’s team has been pitching. With Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews injured, the depth is gone and those left over have struggled.

One way to help ease the load on the mound is to hit. When going right Royce Lewis can be among the best in the game. He’s often injured though, and is returning to the lineup following a trip to the injured list for the second time this season.

MN Twins activate Royce Lewis from IL

During Spring Training Royce Lewis suffered a hamstring strain that cost him two months. Back in mid-June he suffered another strain to the same leg, but this time it will cost him just over two weeks.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/o2HR2XcLGA

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 1, 2025

On Sunday, with a scheduled day off Monday, the Twins opted to designate Jonah Bride for assignment. They had acquired him from the Miami Marlins while needing warm bodies in the infield. He shockingly lasted more than two months on the roster, but the move opened a path for Lewis to return. Lewis plays third and bats 8th on Tuesday.

Royce Lewis has played in just 30 games this season. He owns an ugly .202/.282/.303 slash line and has just six extra-base hits (two homers and four doubles). That, combined with an 0-for-8 during three rehab games with Triple-A St. Paul is certainly the bad news.

The good news is that Lewis had been trending in a positive direction for the Twins. While working through different swing tweaks, something seemed to click last month. Over his last nine games the Twins third baseman slashed .395/.485/.571 with two doubles and a home run.

Royce Lewis missed a grand slam by about 5 feet but drives in a pair with a double off the wall pic.twitter.com/7eP5u09V4x

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) June 4, 2025

At this point in his career, after the mounting maladies he has dealt with, Lewis is a different player. He’s not the speed threat he once was, and the success of his plate production comes in the form of slugging. Minnesota needs to see that as he returns to the lineup, and they desperately need the guy that figured things out before being hurt.

Related: Twins Cut Bait With Infielder, Prepare Royce Lewis’ Return

Minnesota is in Miami for a three-game series before returning home to Target Field over the weekend against the Tampa Bay Rays.