Twins Third Baseman Royce Lewis Exits Game With Hamstring Injury
The Minnesota Twins’ promising third baseman, Royce Lewis, faced another setback in his burgeoning career after leaving a spring training game on Sunday due to a left hamstring strain. The team confirmed Lewis will undergo imaging on Monday to evaluate the injury. Reports indicate that it is likely he could start the regular season on the sidelines.
Injury History and Recent Performance
At only 25 years old, Lewis has already shown considerable talent, amassing impressive statistics over his 152-game MLB career. He has achieved a batting line of .268/.327/.497, resulting in an OPS+ of 126, alongside hitting 33 home runs and driving in 104 RBIs. Despite these figures, Lewis has struggled to remain on the field consistently due to a series of injuries, including issues with his oblique, adductor, quad, hamstring, and knee, which have severely limited his game time. Notably, he has suffered two tears of his right ACL, contributing to his reputation as an injury-prone player.
Potential Replacement in Jose Miranda
Should Lewis be unavailable for the start of the season, Jose Miranda is expected to slide into the third-base role. Miranda had a solid season last year, hitting .284/.322/.441 with a 112 OPS+ over 121 games, suggesting he can hold his own as a capable replacement. However, there is concern regarding whether Miranda can replicate Lewis’s power potential.
Lewis’s Mindset and Goals for the Season
Despite the recurring injuries, Lewis remains optimistic about his approach for the upcoming season. Recently, he emphasized that his primary goal is to remain healthy enough to play as many games as possible, stating, "I’m not paying attention to the stats because they don’t really show you — sometimes they do — if you are playing well or bad." He added that focusing on game participation will allow the statistics to take care of themselves: "As long as you’re there and healthy and are able to help your team win, the number will be there."
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener
The Twins are set to begin the 2025 MLB season on Thursday, March 27, against the St. Louis Cardinals. As the opening day approaches, the team and its fans will be watching closely to see the results of Lewis’s imaging and the implications for his availability.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of injuries in professional sports, particularly for young athletes like Lewis, who are still working to establish their careers. His ability to overcome these physical hurdles and maintain a significant contribution to the team will be pivotal for both his future and the Twins’ success this season.
