MN Twins 3B Royce Lewis Hurt Again…

The Minnesota Twins sent Chris Paddack to the mound on Friday night, hoping he could get them off to a good start vs the Houston Astros, after the Twins lost two of three vs the Texas Rangers earlier this week, in blowout 16-3 and 16-4 fashion. The Sheriff, however, failed to answer the call.

By the time Paddack exited after the fourth inning, the game already felt over, at 9-1. Chris allowed 8 earned runs on 12 hits, 1 walk and he managed just 1 measly strikeout in his four innings of work (85 pitches).

Related: Minnesota Twins Pitcher Receives Death Threats After Latest Start

When the final out of the ninth inning was recorded, Minnesota walked away losers (10-3) for the sixth time in their last eight games. Unfortunately… the loss wasn’t the worst part Friday’s contest in Houston.

Royce Lewis, who’s game has been trending upwards since the calendar turned to June, nearly walked away from Friday’s latest debacle as one of the lone MN Twins bright spots. He made solid contact in three of his four plate appearances, including his second home run of the season.

Stay hot Royce! pic.twitter.com/wwZbkbnvFM

— Ted (@tlschwerz) June 14, 2025

Another hamstring injury for Royce Lewis

But in the top of the ninth inning, after hitting a rope (96.5 MPH exit velocity) down the left field line for his second hit of the night, Lewis got 2/3 up the first base line, when something pulled in his left hamstring. That’s the same hamstring he injured in spring training, which forced him to miss the first five to six weeks of the season.

Both Baldelli and head trainer Nick Paparesta met Royce at first base, where after a short conversation, he walked off the field and back into the clubhouse. The left hamstring injury Lewis suffered during spring training kept him out until May 6.

Another brutal development for Royce Lewis. pic.twitter.com/rn53b01em2

— Ted (@tlschwerz) June 14, 2025

Rocco Baldelli said Royce Lewis has a "left hamstring strain of some kind."

"He actually tested relatively well after the game upon examination in the training room. We’re going to bring him in tomorrow and check him out, see how he comes in."

— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) June 14, 2025

Immediately after he returned from injury, Royce Lewis slumped mightily for nearly a month, slashing a putrid .130/.200/.203 (.403 OPS) through his first 20 games. On June 1, however, the third baseman went on a heater, slashing .367/.457/.533 (.990 OPS) across his last ten games, including his 2-for-4 performance Friday night.

The Minnesota Twins are already dealing with major injuries in their starting rotation, including their ace Pablo Lopez. Zebby Matthews is also on the injured list and Bailey Ober has been dealing with hip and knee injuries since spring training, he recently revealed.

Minnesota Twins 3B cannot catch an injury break…

If Royce Lewis is going to miss time, and it is again related to the hamstring injury he suffered during Grapefruit League play, it would be a crushing development. Baldelli’s postgame quotes seem to suggest at least a small level of optimism, but it’s tough to spin this injury, especially when it appears to be the same one as before.

After examining Royce Lewis this morning, the Twins decided to send him for an MRI to get a better handle on how serious his left hamstring injury is. Still waiting on word, but that means it’s still bothering him.

— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) June 14, 2025

Related: Minnesota Twins Pitcher Receives Death Threats After Latest Start

Royce has never played in more than 82 games during any of his four big league seasons. Knee surgeries and soft tissue injuries have sapped virtually all of the 26-year-old’s speed. It’s unfortunate to see a guy with such immense talent continue to be bit by the same types of problems.