Why Is Royce Lewis Playing Second Base?!

[Greggory Masterson]

…is a question you might be asking. There are answers to this question and others inside. Maybe you’ll like the answers; maybe you won’t.

Image courtesy of Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

On Monday night, Royce Lewis played three innings at second base during a tight win over the Tampa Bay Rays. On Wednesday night, the Twins’ Opening Day third baseman and franchise building block started a game at second base for the first time in his MLB career. What gives?

Why is Royce Lewis playing second base?

The most straightforward answer is that the Twins are playing a numbers game, and it’s been dogging them for a few months now. They have too many corner-only bats but not enough corner spots. On any given night, it would be nice to have Lewis, Jose Miranda, Carlos Santana, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, and Max Kepler (if healthy) in the lineup against a righty.

Unfortunately, that group only plays left field, right field, third base, and first base. Add the DH spot, and you’ll have six players for five positions. Every night, one of those guys has to sit. If any come off the bench to pinch hit, they probably have to come right back out, or one of the starters needs to trade places with them on the pine.

That’s an issue when a player like Austin Martin or Michael Helman are starting games and might require a late pinch hitter. Lewis having the ability to move over to second base fixes many problems.

Who would it be if it wasn’t Lewis who added another position to his bag of tricks? Jose Miranda: Second Baseman? (Miranda has actually played more second base as a professional than Lewis has played third)

Of course, you might say that Max Kepler shouldn’t be playing as much as he is, but I guess that’s a different conversation. And moot for the time being, since he placed on the injured list on Thursday.

So is Royce Lewis a second baseman now?

Probably not, but like we saw with Jorge Polanco down the stretch in 2023 filling in at third base to even out the lineup, we might see him start there occasionally or move over when the team is making a move in-game. He’ll likely still see plenty of action at third and DH.

In the future, his long-term home might be second base. Both he and Brooks Lee appear to be around for the long haul, so they need to find an alignment that suits them. Lewis’s worst tool has always been his arm, and second base might suit him better, though he’s been playing at least some third base since high school. Lee looks a natural at either. It’s anyone’s guess how that shakes out.

So why isn’t Brooks Lee moving to second instead?

Brooks is kind of occupied right now. The Twins are missing both Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton at present. Willi Castro has been moved to center field since Lee’s return from injury last week, and Lee is planted at short until Correa’s eventual return.

Lewis was a shortstop in the minor leagues, but he’s since bulked up and has blown out his knee twice in the interim. It appears the Twins have stopped viewing him as an option at short, to the extent that Jose Miranda finished a game at shortstop over him last week. You can disagree with the decision to move Lewis off shortstop permanently, but it looks like his days there are over.

Lee needs to stick at shortstop for the time being. I’m sure that if the Twins had their way, Lee would be the one bouncing around, and Lewis would be entrenched at a spot. But that's not what they need right now.

I get teaching a new position in spring training, but why during a pennant race?

They’re doing this because they’re in a pennant race. They’re trying to get as much offense and in-game flexibility out of their sputtering lineup as possible. Ideally, this is an offseason and spring project, but they don’t have that luxury. We’ve already discussed the corner position crunch, but here’s another way to think of it.

The other options at second base right now are Edouard Julien, Kyle Farmer, Martin, and Helman. You can throw Castro into that mix, but that would require Martin or Helman to be in center field. None of those names excite you offensively right now, yeah? If Lewis can play a few innings at second or start there now and then, the Twins doing what they can to inject offense into this team. They desperately need it now, and desperate times call for desperate measures. The best lineup requires Lewis to be able to play somewhere up the middle, at least occasionally.

Lewis has also gotten some work at second base before. It’s not a ton, but he did play second base four times in the 2019 Arizona Fall League, and the Twins worked him out there in 2022 as they were trying to find ways to get him on the field. Also, it’s not like learning second base after playing at shortstop and third is the same as teaching him to catch. They’re all infield positions. "Tell him, Wash."

What if Royce Lewis gets hurt playing a new position?

Fortunately the center field wall is hundreds of feet behind second base. Perhaps Lewis is at a higher risk of landing awkwardly at the bag or making throws that he’s not used to. Sure. But the Twins are aware of whatever minimal injury risk that incurs, and it seems like the rewards outweigh the risk. If this decision directly leads to an injury (i.e., something unique about second base, not any injury, because we've seen the frequency that happens already), I guess you can say "I told you so."

It’s also not a completely new position.

But Rocco said …

Managers say things because the media needs an answer. Situations evolve. Coaches change their minds. It’s not a conspiracy. I’d honestly recommend not listening to 90% of what they say in the first place. Maybe 100%.

Royce said he’s uncomfortable over there. Shouldn’t we listen to him?

Royce also says a lot of things. He at least appears to be more forthcoming with his thoughts than a lot of players, but it’s bad practice to take his responses (or anyone’s) as gospel truth or a crystal picture of reality. Lewis probably is uncomfortable over there, but how uncomfortable? We can’t be definitively sure.

It’s a daunting challenge.  Picking up a new position in the September of a playoff push is probably nerve-wracking. It might even be an annoying distraction. But life isn’t always perfect, and sometimes you need your stars to go above and beyond to put your best players on the field as much as possible, or at least in an optimal way. Lewis strictly playing third base handcuffs the team to an extent.

It’s okay to be uncomfortable.

Won’t jerking him around like this make him less likely to come back in free agency?

Talk to me after the 2028 season when he’s a free agent. He’s a Boras client, anyway.

But beyond that, come on.

If asking him to sporadically cover a position in the short term or begin his transition to being a full-time second baseman a little early is enough for him to put his foot down and decide he doesn’t want to stick around Minnesota, do you really want to see him stay? It’s on the organization to do what they see necessary to win games, not grovel to their stars, hoping they take a sweetheart deal to stick around four years from now.

Also, this is just a scenario in your head. There’s no indication that this is a real conversation going on right now.

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[tony&rodney]

You answered the question from all sides. It just comes down to searching for offense. The current iteration of Royce Lewis, injured but playable, is a DH only. However, the Twins have collectively succumbed to ineffective plate appearances which results in looking for that misplaced combination which will unlock the offense. Try everything and that is what we are seeing. I mean, Farmer batting cleanup is an attempt. Hopefully the bats will come out today.

[CRF]

But Rocco said …

Managers say things because the media needs an answer. Situations evolve. Coaches change their minds. It’s not a conspiracy. I’d honestly recommend not listening to 90% of what they say in the first place. Maybe 100%.

...and THIS is 100% true!

 

[DJL44]

He's been outplayed by Miranda and Lee at 3B. Other than Castro the competition (Julien, Farmer, Martin) is not as good at 2B.

[Old Twins Hat]

Lewis probably is uncomfortable over there, but how uncomfortable? We can’t be definitively sure.

Twins are uncomfortable with him at 3B, SS, CF -- so, there's that.

Kind of young and athletic to become a full time DH.

He should go home this winter, stop lifting so many weights, stretch his legs out for running, and come back to spring training ready to play a full season in the field..... somewhere, and make a home for himself.

[LambchoP]

I think eventually our IF will be

1b - Lewis

2b -Lee/Julien

SS - Correa/Lee

3b - Miranda

Unless we sign a power hitting first baseman to put some thump in our lineup. With the financial limitations this team has, I'm guessing that doesn't happen:(

[mikelink45]

It is a question we all have to contemplate and I think we need to be seeing the season ending without Correa/Buxton/Kepler and make the most of it.  Lee is SS from now on.  Miranda at third and Lewis at 2B looks like our best combination.  Julien has really disappointed this season, Castro has to stay utility, Farmer has to stay on the bench and Helman should replace him.  In CF I want to see Keirsey get extended play.

[insagt1]

He has been more than vocal in his displeasure to play 2nd. This is a bad look right now whether real or imagined. Is this going to cause issues in the clubhouse? Do the Twins really want this distraction down the stretch? Is this how a teammate reacts during a playoff push...specially one who has been injured more than he has been on the field. Do they need this kind of distraction now? Is Lewis being reasonable, honest, or selfish. All we know is what we are allowed to see and hear. And right now it's not real pretty. Guess we'll see though huh.

 

 

 

[terrydactyls]

Being "uncomfortable" at 2B does not necessarily mean he doesn't want to play there.  I would feel "uncomfortable" to be suddenly playing a new-ish position during a pennant race.  You have performance expectations placed on you at a crucial point in the season.  I would be very uncomfortable, but also very anxious to prove that the manger's faith in me was well placed.

[Eris]

If a team has too many players below average defensively (Miranda, Lewis, Larnach, Wallner, Martin, Castro (CF), Jeffers, not hitting (Kepler, Julian, Farmer, Margot, even Lewis is slumping) hurt (Correa, Buxton, Kirilloff, maybe Kepler) this is somewhat logical outcome. 
 

From Lewis point of view, playing 1B or 2B is the least valuable position for maximizing his financial returns during free agency. In a different pre-ACL situation, Lewis would be an above average (maybe even elite) outfielder. But those days are gone and it is 3B, 1B, DH or a disgruntled 2B (which means he won’t be there for long—Boras will make sure of that). One can imagine what a phone call with the front of will be like. “My guy is unhappy at 2B, if you ever want to sign one of my guys again…. “

[DJL44]

33 minutes ago, Eris said:

If a team has too many players below average defensively (Miranda, Lewis, Larnach, Wallner, Martin, Castro (CF), Jeffers, not hitting (Kepler, Julian, Farmer, Margot, even Lewis is slumping) hurt (Correa, Buxton, Kirilloff, maybe Kepler) this is somewhat logical outcome. 

Larnach, Wallner and Miranda have been average, if not slightly above average. They really miss Buxton and Correa.

[DJL44]

35 minutes ago, Eris said:

One can imagine what a phone call with the front of will be like. “My guy is unhappy at 2B, if you ever want to sign one of my guys again…. “

The response should be "I'm not sure I want to sign one of your guys again. They whine too much."

[D.C Twins]

probably something to do with him playing hurt

[chpettit19]

13 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The response should be "I'm not sure I want to sign one of your guys again. They whine too much."

It's also not a call that would happen. And playing 2B doesn't change his financial outlook. He, like everyone else who isn't an elite SS or CF or C defender, will get paid for his bat, not where he stands on the field. Boras knows that. Lewis knows that. Lewis being able to play an adequate 3B or 2B actually helps his financial situation because it opens up more teams as options when he hits the market. Scott Boras isn't calling the Twins and threatening them over where Royce Lewis plays unless they have reason to believe it'll lead to another season long knee injury.

[karcherd]

There have been comments that Lewis is hurt, is he hurt or have the Twins told him to throttle it down so as not to risk injury.  I saw him go first to third in the Cardinals series and he sure didn't look like he was having any issues.  The Twins are notorious on being conservative with injured players and we never really know their true status.

Also Lewis even though he has been injured, he is a first overall pick and should be a cornerstone for this franchise.  You need to give him a position and let him learn, get comfortable and coach him up.  I thought they told him he was moving to 3B, let him play there and learn.  If you want everyone in the lineup move Miranda to 2B if you are going to insist on playing Santana every day, even though he be a platoon player and defensive replacement at 1B.

This philosophy that you can play anyone anywhere only works so often, you wonder why we keep seeing sloppy play and plays not being made.  This comes from players playing out of position and not learning from reps that are needed.  Choose a starting 8 and if someone gets injured call up someone to replace that position.  We have 3 utility players, 4 if you consider Farmer an utility player.  That is way too many and makes your bench moves unproductive, because the moves are based who can play a position instead of what is our best move possible to get the most production out of the particular move.

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

It is a question we all have to contemplate and I think we need to be seeing the season ending without Correa/Buxton/Kepler and make the most of it.  Lee is SS from now on.  Miranda at third and Lewis at 2B looks like our best combination.  Julien has really disappointed this season, Castro has to stay utility, Farmer has to stay on the bench and Helman should replace him.  In CF I want to see Keirsey get extended play.

I like to think Julien has really disappointed this year like Miranda did last year. 

I also like to think that Julien will come back next year like Miranda did this year.

[mnfireman]

I'd agree that he possibly has a future at 1B as neither his glove nor his range is his problem, his arm is. He's 6'2" and hits with power.

Miranda, while not great, seems to play better at 3B than at 1B. Concentrating on one position in the off-season may help him get better, it can't hurt.

Give Lewis the winter to learn the position and I think he'll be fine.

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, Eris said:

If a team has too many players below average defensively (Miranda, Lewis, Larnach, Wallner, Martin, Castro (CF), Jeffers, not hitting (Kepler, Julian, Farmer, Margot, even Lewis is slumping) hurt (Correa, Buxton, Kirilloff, maybe Kepler) this is somewhat logical outcome. 
 

From Lewis point of view, playing 1B or 2B is the least valuable position for maximizing his financial returns during free agency. In a different pre-ACL situation, Lewis would be an above average (maybe even elite) outfielder. But those days are gone and it is 3B, 1B, DH or a disgruntled 2B (which means he won’t be there for long—Boras will make sure of that). One can imagine what a phone call with the front of will be like. “My guy is unhappy at 2B, if you ever want to sign one of my guys again…. “

I think a 2B that can hit like Lewis would be a unicorn that would be hugely financially rewarded.

[Parfigliano]

21 minutes ago, karcherd said:

There have been comments that Lewis is hurt, is he hurt or have the Twins told him to throttle it down so as not to risk injury.  I saw him go first to third in the Cardinals series and he sure didn't look like he was having any issues.  The Twins are notorious on being conservative with injured players and we never really know their true status.

Also Lewis even though he has been injured, he is a first overall pick and should be a cornerstone for this franchise.  You need to give him a position and let him learn, get comfortable and coach him up.  I thought they told him he was moving to 3B, let him play there and learn.  If you want everyone in the lineup move Miranda to 2B if you are going to insist on playing Santana every day, even though he be a platoon player and defensive replacement at 1B.

This philosophy that you can play anyone anywhere only works so often, you wonder why we keep seeing sloppy play and plays not being made.  This comes from players playing out of position and not learning from reps that are needed.  Choose a starting 8 and if someone gets injured call up someone to replace that position.  We have 3 utility players, 4 if you consider Farmer an utility player.  That is way too many and makes your bench moves unproductive, because the moves are based who can play a position instead of what is our best move possible to get the most production out of the particular move.

Isnt Santana's platoon leading the team in RBI

[karcherd]

5 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Isnt Santana's platoon leading the team in RBI

Considering he has over 100 AB's more than anyone else other than Castro, he should have more RBI's.  His OBS against RH pitching is well below league average, is his defense worth the offense we are giving up.

 

[RpR]

2 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

It is a question we all have to contemplate and I think we need to be seeing the season ending without Correa/Buxton/Kepler and make the most of it.  Lee is SS from now on.  Miranda at third and Lewis at 2B looks like our best combination.  Julien has really disappointed this season, Castro has to stay utility, Farmer has to stay on the bench and Helman should replace him.  In CF I want to see Keirsey get extended play.

Lee is a gaping hole in the defense.

[RpR]

3 hours ago, DJL44 said:

He's been outplayed by Miranda and Lee at 3B. Other than Castro the competition (Julien, Farmer, Martin) is not as good at 2B.

Even Julien is better.

Lewis is not a good fielder, he and Lee are competing for being the worst.

[USAFChief]

"Anybody can play anywhere."

 

It's a philosophy. 

Not a good one,  but a philosophy. 

[DJL44]

15 minutes ago, RpR said:

Lee is a gaping hole in the defense.

Lee is their 2nd best infield defender after Correa.

[RpR]

7 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Lee is their 2nd best infield defender after Correa.

Maybe in the Twilight Zone.

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, RpR said:

Maybe in the Twilight Zone.

The coaching staff, opposing scouts and the defensive metrics disagree with you.

[RpR]

Just now, DJL44 said:

The coaching staff, opposing scouts and the defensive metrics disagree with you.

His history numbers at Baseball Ref. says he is not good, on his best day.

[DJL44]

7 minutes ago, RpR said:

His history numbers at Baseball Ref. says he is not good, on his best day.

You must be visiting a different Baseball Reference. The one I visit has him +4 RField in 32 games with positive defensive runs saved at 2B, SS and 3B.

[old nurse]

Marcus Semien is a Boras client who got paid very well to play 2B. Position doesn’t matter. It has been 5 years since Lewis has played in over 100 games. If that trend continues that will be his biggest deterrent to the huge contract. 

[chpettit19]

32 minutes ago, old nurse said:

Marcus Semien is a Boras client who got paid very well to play 2B. Position doesn’t matter. It has been 5 years since Lewis has played in over 100 games. If that trend continues that will be his biggest deterrent to the huge contract. 

And Xander Bogaerts.