When Royce Lewis pulled up at first base in visible pain during a game in Houston a couple of weeks ago, it sparked fears of a recurring injury. The incident mirrored a previous mishap during spring training when Lewis strained his left hamstring, sidelining him for the first 35 games of the season. However, the Minnesota Twins quickly allayed concerns, stating that the injury sustained on June 14 was mild. On Tuesday, Lewis was officially activated from the injured list as the Twins prepared to face the Miami Marlins in a pivotal three-game series.
The announcement of Lewis’s return was anticipated, as the Twins had already made a corresponding roster move by releasing infielder Jonah Bride on Sunday night. Acquired from the Marlins in April, Bride had a modest .208 batting average with a .511 OPS, contributing primarily in a relief pitching role for the Twins.
Lewis’s Road to Recovery
Lewis’s journey back to the major league roster included a stint with Triple-A St. Paul, where he struggled, going hitless in eight at-bats. Despite this, his pre-injury form was promising, as he had been batting .393 with three extra-base hits in nine games. The two hamstring injuries have limited Lewis to just 30 games this season, during which he has maintained a .202 average with a .585 OPS.
During Lewis’s absence, Brooks Lee stepped up, primarily occupying third base. With Lewis’s return, Lee has been moved to second base, while Lewis resumes his role at third, batting eighth in the lineup.
Kaelen Culpepper’s Rising Star
In other news, Kaelen Culpepper, the Twins’ 21st overall pick in the 2024 draft, has been named to the Futures Game, set to take place in Atlanta later this month. Culpepper’s impressive start at Class-A Advanced Cedar Rapids, where he batted .293 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs, earned him a promotion to Double-A. There, he has continued to perform well, hitting .273 with two home runs in eight games.
Culpepper, ranked as the Twins’ No. 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline, will represent the team as their sole participant in the Futures Game, scheduled for July 12 at Truist Park, days before the All-Star Game.
Implications for the Twins’ Season
The return of Royce Lewis is timely for the Twins as they navigate a critical phase of their season. The team is looking to solidify its position in the standings, and Lewis’s presence could provide a much-needed boost both offensively and defensively. His ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as the Twins face a challenging schedule ahead.
Meanwhile, the emergence of prospects like Kaelen Culpepper signals a promising future for the franchise. As the Twins continue to develop their young talent, the organization remains hopeful for sustained success in the coming years.
As the Twins gear up for the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on Lewis to see if he can regain his form and help propel the team towards a playoff berth. The upcoming series against the Marlins will serve as a litmus test for both his recovery and the team’s resilience.
