Twins recall Royce Lewis after hot reset

Royce Lewis' role with the Twins moving forward should be interesting

Back with the Twins, Lewis' role and where he will play should be interesting. A primary third baseman in his career (230 games, 220 starts), the 27-year-old had started to work on playing second base and first base into his repertoire to expand his versatility. Lewis has only two career games at second base (both in 2024) under his belt.

“I think it’s very important for all of our players, whether they’re here or in the Minor Leagues… it’s important for us organizationally that guys play multiple positions,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said to Matthew Leach of MLB.com. “There’s very few guys that we feel are going to be locked into one spot. … We will continue to explore not only with players in the Minor Leagues in Royce’s case or players at the Major League level at other positions.”

Since being optioned, players like Brooks Lee and Luke Keaschall have stepped ahead of Lewis and are blocking his path at an everyday return. Lee has been playing third (15 games, 14 starts), while Keaschall is the primary second baseman (59 games, 58 starts). 

With the injury to center fielder Byron Buxton (right shoulder contusion), first baseman Kody Clemens may need to play a corner outfield position, opening a path for Lewis to attempt to play first base. He had made two starts at first base while with the Saints.