Royce Lewis Has Run Out of Gas

[Nick Nelson]

His ability to drive the ball, once so natural and unflinching, has gone totally amiss as the integral infielder admits that he's grinding in the late stage of the season.

Image courtesy of Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

After missing the first two months with a quad injury suffered on Opening Day, Royce Lewis picked up where he left off in 2023: a relentless offensive force, hitting for average and power with a ferocious yet controlled approach. He homered in his first at-bat back on June 4th, and continued to deliver tape-measure blasts with amazing frequency over the several weeks that followed, up until suffering another injury in early July.

The groin strain knocked him out for three weeks, but Lewis came back and once again found his stride quickly, launching six more home runs with 16 RBIs in 16 games after being activated. The last of those homers came on August 12th, and that date is noteworthy because it marked the start of a prolonged slump from which Lewis has yet to emerge.

As of August 12th, nearly one month ago, Lewis had 15 home runs and a 1.021 OPS through 40 games this season. That's a near-impossible level of production to maintain, in fairness. But since then, he has experienced less a regression and more a ravine slide, slashing .198/.226/.261 in 24 games. 

During this span he has hit just one home run – and while it was a big one, giving the Twins a late lead in the series finale against Toronto, it barely left the yard, traveling at just 91 MPH. Not his best swing, by Lewis's own admission: “I hit it off the end of the bat. I’ve never seen it. … So I’ll take that all day. Our team, I think we’ll all take that. It was just good timing for it to go out like that.”

 

Aside from the wall-scraper, Lewis has produced just four doubles and 12 singles in 86 plate appearances over these past 22 games. The no-doubt bombs have gone completely amiss. Meanwhile he's struck out 25 times with just four walks, betraying the solid discipline we'd seen through his first 40 games (34 K, 18 BB in 160 PA).

Throughout the first 100 games of his MLB career, Lewis drove the ball with astonishing authority and consistency. A glance at his rolling xwOBA, via Statcast, illustrates the rapid deterioration in contact quality we've seen from the once-fearsome slugger, into below-average depths.

What we've witnessed in his past couple dozen games has been such a far cry that it's impossible not to be believe something is amiss. Lewis himself has not run away from this. As MLB.com beat writer Do-Hyoung Park recently shared on Twitter: "When I asked Royce Lewis about his production dip in August, he indicated it's been a physical grind in one of the longest stretches of his recent career playing every day. He's still trying to find that 'second wind' physically and a good routine to keep himself fresh, he said."

 

You might meet to this revelation with a bit of puzzlement; he hasn't even played half a season's worth of games. But Park adds important context in a follow-up tweet, noting that Lewis has "pretty much never had an uninterrupted stretch more than, say, a month and a half of playing close to every day since 2019 due to the pandemic and all the injuries." 

In a story for The Athletic over the weekend, Dan Hayes observed that, "Recently, the grind of a long, exhausting season seemingly caught up to Lewis. Whether discussing his disdain for playing second base or how tired he’s felt in his longest season since 2019, Lewis twice in the past month demonstrated something less than the plucky attitude he’s always featured."

The change in Lewis's upbeat demeanor speaks volumes about what he's going through, much like last week's outbursts of frustration from Louie Varland and Byron Buxton conveyed the same. And while Lewis did express optimism in Hayes's article about being able to fight through this and find that "second wind," the reality is that his performance is only steepening in its descent. He looked as bad as we've seen him all year in Kansas City over the weekend, flailing away hopelessly en route to an 0-for-11 output with five strikeouts.

The Twins have had so much go against him in this second half, but the one biggest source of hope has been the prospect of Lewis getting hot and carrying the team as we've seen before, including last year's playoffs. Right now that doesn't even feel like a vague possibility. 

Is there any action the Twins can take to change that outlook? Giving Lewis a couple weeks off to rest up seems like the only tangible course of action. It would mean sacrificing one of their best remaining players during a stretch they need to win games and hold onto their playoff position, but right now Lewis isn't helping them in the least.

What would you do, if anything? Take action in some way to straighten out Lewis and his physical state ahead of the playoffs, or let it ride and hope he can recapture a spark before it's too late?

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[old nurse]

5 years since he has played a full season, and then not one that went into the middle of October.  He wont change that this year. Tired from a grind in your 20s as an elite athlete? There is something wrong there. Add the disgruntlement over playing 2b that would be 2 strikes against him 

[TwinsDr2021]

Did I read the problem with Royce is being healthy?

[mikelink45]

There is no ready solution to this.  It really is up to the player to work with the team leaders and find the energy and the drive that we saw earlier.  It is still there, but he is letting a lot of other issues, injury recovery, long season, change of position, perhaps frustration with the team or management get to him.  If he is healthy, he needs some conversations that will shift his attitude.

[Blyleven2011]

Right now Lewis needs some adjustments  , shorten up the swing to catch up to the fastball ...

Hopefully soon that baseball will look like a beach ball and he'll be is own self  .....

Maybe Rocco put a jinx on him when he said come to play ( second base  ...)

[dxpavelka]

Doesn't want to play 2B.  Isn't particularly good at playing 2B.  A player with a rather lengthy injury history moving to a position with a greater likelihood of injury.  Is there a possible solution?

[Whitey333]

I don't believe it.  A guy hardly ever plays and he's complaining about the long grind of the season?  He certainly is proving he isn't the great athlete he thinks he is.  Mr.  " I don't do slumps" has been a huge disappointment.   Seems like now we have three "superstars"  that we cannot depend on.   Buxton, Correa and Lewis.  My gosh what has happened to this team?

[William K Johnson]

6 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

Doesn't want to play 2B.  Isn't particularly good at playing 2B.  A player with a rather lengthy injury history moving to a position with a greater likelihood of injury.  Is there a possible solution?

Yes, next spring put him in left field and leave him there.

[Doctor Gast]

I'm sure Lewis would be more than happy to play 2B. His knowing where his limitations are at 2B isn't the problem. The problem is forcing him in the middle of the season to do something that is uncomfortable for him that robs him of that spark to help him excel in the grind. I wouldn't doubt his slump started shortly after he was informed that he was moved to 2B.

I'm also sure that it takes tremendous endurance to play through a MLB season. & that endurance takes a long time to possess & the time taken away due to injury just magnifies the problem. If left at 3B & have him work on his throwing, would have been a lot easier for Lewis to get through the grind w/o the added emotional baggage. MLB players are human. contrary to popular belief.

[rv78]

It appears the Twins superstars don't know anything about conditioning. It's not like Lewis has played every game to this point of the season. It's not like Buxton and Correa don't get days off for rest. Which they really shouldn't need if they were in good shape. There are scheduled off days for that purpose. A 162 game season these days isn't any longer than the 162 games they played back in the '70's, '80's or '90's and most players back then, especially the superstars that each team relied on, had little trouble playing 150+ games every year. I would gripe that Rocco doesn't play his superstars enough and here we have what is suppose to be the Twins 3 best hitters and they can't sustain anything close to a full season of play..... Lewis has played in 64 games out of a possible 143. If that is a grind then him playing a full season or at the very least being productive for a full season will never happen. Maybe the Twins superstars and Rocco should have looked across the diamond during the Royals series and noticed how a real superstar plays. Bobby Witt Jr = 144 games played in 144 possible.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

I'll duck after posting this, but...

The Twins should consider trading Lewis this off-season. You can't have a Big 3 (Buxton, Correa, Lewis) with so many questions about injuries and durability. The first two names on that list are untradeable. That leaves Lewis. His value this off-season might be the highest that it's going to be - what happens if in 2025 he misses more time with injuries or if he does stay healthy, he fails to make the proper adjustments and struggles at the plate or in the field?

Ownership isn't going to spend $$$. If Lewis can be dealt for a controllable starting pitcher and a high leverage reliever, it should be considered. 

[Karbo]

It sounds to me like the losing is causing some clubhouse problems, as it so often does. Rocco's main strength is handling his players, or so they say. Time to get to work on that. Still have good odds of making the post season, though that will probably last the 1st series. If they don't make the playoffs, I wonder if the coaching staff will get turned over?

[Rufus]

In other words he is not a "gamer"  Play me where I want to play or I will whine about it.  He has played half a season and he is worn out?  Come on!  I am really starting to dislike this guy.  One thing I always liked about Miguel Sano and he never got credit for and I am sure it hurt his career, was  that he always agreed to switch positions to help the team out.  He moved from 3rd to left, to 3rd, to 1st.  But the fans were always on him because he was not good at his position, especially 1st base.  But I never heard him complain once.  Now we get cry baby Lewis.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Has Rocco told Lewis not to run out grounders or pop ups in order to not risk injury? 

[Riverbrian]

There is a Cenex, or Holiday every exit around these parts. 

[Blyleven2011]

5 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I. If they don't make the playoffs, I wonder if the coaching staff will get turned over?

One always has to wonder  ...

As the team makes changes on a regular basis with the players , one would think that the coaching staff would be in for some changes too  ...

The coaches have been here for quite a spell , without naming names you and I see some coaches that definitely need to be let go and replaced ...

Loyalty has been the pohlads way , and that's comforting for job security  , but it's time to make coaching changes , we the fans  hollered after the 2022 season for changes and none happened except the trainer  ...

Changes can be good with new fresh voices , happens all the time in other organization  ...

[LewFordLives]

They play baseball for a living. About 3 hours a day, most of that time they are sitting or standing around. Try working on an assembly line for 8+ hours a day and find out if they can get that "second wind".

[insagt1]

In the game thread that was (correctly) shut down I made similar observations about Lewis and was quickly rebuffed. Funny now that this article comes out (correctly) about him. His attitude is not helping and it goes along with his subpar performance. 

Meanwhile Buxton and Correa still can't play and probably won't. Twins needed all 3 and right now they are getting none. The offense has stalled out and the 3rd WC is fast disappearing barring a very needed turnaround. The energy doesn't seem to be there nor does there appear to be a real leader in the dugout. Twins are trending all wrong and don't know what it will take with this current lineup to pull them out of it.

 

 

[karcherd]

33 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Has Rocco told Lewis not to run out grounders or pop ups in order to not risk injury? 

I think they have told him to be cautious, I am not sure but I thought I read something that mentioned that.  But just watching him, I believe he is intentionally holding back.  I saw him go first to third in the St. Louis series and he did not look like he was having any issues when he didn't listen to the advice.

[mrcharlie]

1 hour ago, rv78 said:

It appears the Twins superstars don't know anything about conditioning. It's not like Lewis has played every game to this point of the season. It's not like Buxton and Correa don't get days off for rest. Which they really shouldn't need if they were in good shape. There are scheduled off days for that purpose. A 162 game season these days isn't any longer than the 162 games they played back in the '70's, '80's or '90's and most players back then, especially the superstars that each team relied on, had little trouble playing 150+ games every year. I would gripe that Rocco doesn't play his superstars enough and here we have what is suppose to be the Twins 3 best hitters and they can't sustain anything close to a full season of play..... Lewis has played in 64 games out of a possible 143. If that is a grind then him playing a full season or at the very least being productive for a full season will never happen. Maybe the Twins superstars and Rocco should have looked across the diamond during the Royals series and noticed how a real superstar plays. Bobby Witt Jr = 144 games played in 144 possible.

This touched on one of my concerns.  Preparation.  I have serious doubts that the Twins as a whole are well prepared for each game.  Lately the body language and performance has lacked any sign of resilience. What they lack is leadership to help them get through.  Properly designed and coached preparation for this part of the season should be the biggest part.  Then it is up to the player to do their part.

[chpettit19]

10 hours ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

I'll duck after posting this, but...

The Twins should consider trading Lewis this off-season. You can't have a Big 3 (Buxton, Correa, Lewis) with so many questions about injuries and durability. The first two names on that list are untradeable. That leaves Lewis. His value this off-season might be the highest that it's going to be - what happens if in 2025 he misses more time with injuries or if he does stay healthy, he fails to make the proper adjustments and struggles at the plate or in the field?

Ownership isn't going to spend $$$. If Lewis can be dealt for a controllable starting pitcher and a high leverage reliever, it should be considered. 

I think this is one of the most interesting storylines for the Twins moving forward. What are the odds each of these guys can stay healthy in the following years? I'd say Correa has the best chance, followed by Lewis, and then Buxton. But I'd say Correa only has about a 60% chance. If the Twins are going to continue to play in this depth of the payroll pool, or maybe even shallower as some think they may slash payroll more, they can't afford Correa and Buxton plus the raises Lewis will be getting.

I disagree the other 2 are "untradeable." Yes, they have no trade clauses, but those are waived all the time. I don't know that any of us can know what the players actually feel about waiving them. It might be entirely possible to trade either of those guys. I have no idea how other teams may value them for the same reasons the Twins should be considering their future with these 3 being their "core." 

They're in a tough spot. One could argue that some time with Lewis, Correa, and Buxton on the field is better than none. But the costs of their contracts can be limiting. I think, at this point, I'd keep them since I highly doubt they'd replace them with any proven stars. Emma and Jenkins can hopefully provide real Buxton insurance in the next year+. Hopefully Lee, and/or Culpepper eventually, can provide real Correa insurance starting next year. 

Having your 3 stars all be major health concerns is certainly not an ideal situation, that's for sure.

[mrcharlie]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

It sounds to me like the losing is causing some clubhouse problems, as it so often does. Rocco's main strength is handling his players, or so they say. Time to get to work on that. Still have good odds of making the post season, though that will probably last the 1st series. If they don't make the playoffs, I wonder if the coaching staff will get turned over?

Indeed. I would suggest though that the problems have existed for some time but with the losing it is more visable.  And it does reflect on the coaching.  So I am hoping changes are made in that department.

[DJL44]

54 minutes ago, LewFordLives said:

They play baseball for a living. About 3 hours a day, most of that time they are sitting or standing around. Try working on an assembly line for 8+ hours a day and find out if they can get that "second wind".

That is a pretty ignorant take on how much work a professional athlete puts in every day. There's batting practice, fielding practice, weight room & conditioning plus game film / strategy on top of the 3 hours a day you see them.

[USAFChief]

6 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

That is a pretty ignorant take on how much work a professional athlete puts in every day. There's batting practice, fielding practice, weight room & conditioning plus game film / strategy on top of the 3 hours a day you see them.

C'mon.

Batting practice?

MLB players put in more hours than just games, sure.

But physically demanding? No. Not to mention they have unlimited access to the absolute best therapeutic recovery methods, training staff, medical staff, nutrition, etc etc etc known to mankind. Chartered flights. The best hotels. 

Catchers get physically abused. They cant be expected to play every day.  Nobody else on a MLB team has a single solitary excuse for not meeting the physical demands of the job. Or whining about it.

 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

So let me get this straight...

Major injuries have cost this guy multiple seasons.  Injuries have further continued to plague him this year.  While on the field, he was one of the most productive players on the team.  Then management decided to totally throw him out of his comfort level by moving him to 2B.  Now a large number of commenters here are acting surprised and angry because he is facing the MLB life grind for the first time, is experiencing some failure, and is unhappy because management is tossing him around like a potato in the lineup and on defense in the middle of a pennant race?

 I am truly at a loss for words...

[USAFChief]

As for Lewis, he better be battling some type of lingering leg issue, or somebody better explain why he isn't required to run out ground balls. Not even pretend to hustle. 

That's not a good look, at all. He lost one base, for sure, in KC this weekend. Possibly two, on ground balls misplayed by infielders. They were turned into outs because Lewis was jogging from home to first. 

 

[Aggies7]

Remember when guys used to play 150+ games and you’d never hear about being tired or needing a day off? I guess they just never got sore or tired.
 

Good times.

[nddan67]

I wouldn't mind seeing coaching changes.

[LambchoP]

Not sure what they're doing wrong, but it really seems like an organizational problem. All of our MLB stars and all of our top minor league prospects just can't seem to stay on the field? With a team that has payroll limitations, having our top paid guys in Correa and Buxton only playing about half a season year after year, is going to cripple the rest of the team. Lewis is looking like he's going to be the exact same. If we can only count on our best players for half a season or less, there is something wrong. Especially when we are seeing the same thing in the minors. Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Keaschal. All these guys are missing serious time. Twins need to start looking at durability and stamina as a real skill that needs to be worked at and improved. I have a hard time believing ALL these kids the Twins are drafting are really ALL that unlucky or brittle. Our conditioning coaches or strength coaches, personal trainer s...they all have to do better I think.

[Guest]

Cue Morganna, the kissing bandit....