The Twins have recalled infielder Royce Lewis from Triple-A St. Paul, hoping to inject some life into their struggling offense. In a corresponding move, outfielder James Outman has been designated for assignment, which opens a spot on the 40-man roster. Lewis had a rough start to the 2024 season but excelled in the minors, hitting .333 with 10 homers in 67 plate appearances since his demotion. Due to poor hitting from others, it remains uncertain where Lewis will fit in defensively. Outman, struggling mightily himself, faces the prospect of clearing waivers to remain with the Twins.

By the Numbers
  • Lewis hit .333/.403/.900 with 10 homers in 67 plate appearances during his time at Triple-A.
  • Outman has slashed just .156/.229/.250 over 70 plate appearances this season.
Yes, But

Despite Lewis's impressive minor league performance, there's skepticism about his ability to replicate that success at the Major League level, especially given his struggles since a supposed breakout in 2023.

State of Play
  • Outman’s DFA creates a need for backup outfield options, with utility players Kody Clemens and Ryan Kreidler stepping up.
  • The Twins may revert to their former infield alignment as neither Brooks Lee nor Tristan Gray has solidified their positions during Lewis's absence.
What's Next

The upcoming games will be crucial for Lewis to prove he can make an impact at the major league level, while Outman's future with the Twins hangs in the balance as he navigates waivers.

Bottom Line

The Twins are banking on Royce Lewis's resurgence to boost their lineup, but the uncertainty surrounding his defensive position and past performance in the majors raises questions about his long-term impact.