Royce Lewis is Back and Starting in Center Field

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PHOTO: AARON LAVINSKY - STAR TRIBUNE

Many fans, media members and even teammates were distraught when the Minnesota Twins sent rookie shortstop, Royce Lewis, back down to Triple-A, after Carlos Correa was deemed healthy and taken off the Injured List. But just over one week later, after testing out a couple of different positions in St. Paul, Lewis is back across the river in the Target Field clubhouse.

Not only is Royce Lewis in the lineup this afternoon, to finish the home series vs Kansas City, but he’s starting in center field. Buxton will DH. Audra Martin (Bally Sports North) broke the news first, before the local beat writers confirmed and the lineups dropped 20 minutes later.

Great Expectations

After today’s game, Royce will jump on the Twins’ Charter plane to Detroit for a 5-game (4-day) series vs the Tigers, before going to Toronto for three more. Lewis played a handful of games at defensive positions other than SS, including one game in center field, after his demotion (3B – 2 GMS), (LF – 2 GMS), (CF – 1 GM).

Expectations will be much higher for Royce Lewis, in his second MLB stint. That’s what happens when you hit .308 with an .889 OPS in your first 11-game showing. He’ll have to handle those expectations while playing a few different positions.

I’d expect plenty of outfield today and vs Detroit this week. Anything can happen when the Minnesota Twins jump the border to play their series in Toronto because we do not yet know who, from the Twins roster, will be allowed in Canada who won’t. Jose Miranda was optioned to make room for Lewis on the roster.

Update:

Royce Lewis injured his knee in the 3rd inning Sunday, performing a highlight reel catch in centerfield. It was Royce’s first toe-to-toe battle with the Target Field wall and, like many of his predecessors, he came out on the losing end. At least he caught it, right?

After further evaluation following a Minnesota Twins 7-3 victory over the Royals, Lewis’ injury was diagnosed a bone bruise and he was placed on the 10-day injured list.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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