Just 12 games into his MLB career, young Minnesota Twins shortstop Royce Lewis had to overcome adversity once again.
He tore his ACL for the second time and needed season-ending surgery last June.
He is not expected back with the Twins until late June or early July.
However, he is progressing nicely on his recovery, and has been running at the Twins’ spring training complex.
Royce Lewis sprinting. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/ERuJPBKrYm
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 17, 2023
He clearly doesn’t look 100 percent in the video, but he should be able to make a full recovery with time.
To put it in a better way, he is right on schedule in his road back, and that late-June through early-July timetable remains very much in place.
Lewis, if healthy, could be a nice piece for the Twins in 2023.
With Carlos Correa re-signing, he is not expected to be the shortstop of the future, but could have a place as a second or third baseman depending on how things play out.
He is capable of hitting 20 home runs and stealing 20 bases at the MLB level, although with two ACL surgeries he will likely be limited on his running.
Still, if he can reach his ceiling as a hitter, the organization will be pleased.
Right now, the Twins have lots of options for the infield, so they can afford to take Lewis’ recovery nice and steady, with no rush.
Their priority should be getting him ready and in a groove for the second half of the season.
If he returns to full health, he could be the perfect “deadline acquisition” without actually having to go to the market.
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MLB Insider Reflects On Beloved Twins Scout