Twins want more from Royce Lewis, and it has nothing to do with his bat

Royce Lewis started to break out during the 2023 season, hitting 15 home runs with 52 RBIs in just 58 games. He has not been at the same level since. This led the Twins to send Lewis to Triple-A as he started slow in the 2026 season.

Now, as Lewis has been hitting better, the Twins are asking more of him, and it is not about his bat, according to Aaron Gleeman.

“Now this is interesting: Royce Lewis is starting at second base for Triple-A St. Paul today. Derek Shelton said this morning that Lewis will also be getting some work at first base with the Saints to increase his versatility,” Gleeman posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Lewis played some shortstop and center field as a rookie, but has since primarily been at third base and the DH spot at the major league level. Overall, he has played 230 games at third base, with 44 at DH, 12 at shortstop, two at second base, and two in center field in his MLB career. He has never played second base or first base in his major league career, but he would add some versatility to the player.

Manager Derek Shelton is also excited about what Lewis is doing in the minors, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic.

“He’s gone down there, he’s worked, and he’s had good at-bats,” Shelton said. “A lot of times, the initial perception is when you send someone down like you’re down on them. … The best version of us is with Royce Lewis in our lineup. I’m pleased with what he’s doing. He needs to continue to build off it.”

The team could use a spark in the lineup. The Twins are currently 29-33 on the season, placing them in third in the AL Central. They are looking for the sweep of the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, but are down 4-0 in the second inning currently.

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