Royce Lewis Has "Moderate" Hamstring Strain, Out for Opening Day

[Nick Nelson]

The Minnesota Twins provided an update on injured third baseman Royce Lewis on Monday after imaging on his hamstring provided more clarity. Here's what we know.

Image courtesy of Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Royce Lewis exited Sunday's spring training game after he pulled up while running out a grounder, limping into first base as he grabbed at the back of his left leg. The team initially announced the injury as a hamstring strain, and on Monday they shared more details following an MRI scan.

Lewis has been diagnosed with a moderate left hamstring strain and he's been ruled out for Opening Day, which is not surprising with the start of the season just 10 days away.

Here's something else you probably won't find surprising: Lewis himself is downplaying the severity of the injury, saying it's "not even close" to being as serious as the quad strain he suffered on Opening Day last year, per Phil Miller of the Star Tribune.

 

Take that for what it's worth. We all know how Lewis's relentless positivity tends to shade his own evaluation of situations like these, and the reality is that a moderate (or Grade 2) hamstring strain indicates partial tearing, which requires significant time to heal.

The Twins weren't ready to share a timetable at this point, but fans should gear up for an absence of at least a month, and potentially closer to two. On the bright side, the team's official characterization seems to align with Lewis's take. They described this hamstring strain as moderate whereas last year's quad injury, which sidelined Lewis until June 4th, was described as severe.

You may recall that Lewis strained this same left hamstring late in the 2023 season, putting his availability for the playoffs in doubt. In that case he suffered the injury on September 19th and was in the lineup as DH for Game 1 of the ALWC Series two weeks later. However, that was seemingly a milder strain, and also it goes without saying that there needs to be a much more forward-thinking lens applied when a guy gets hurt in spring training versus the end of the year.

The Twins need to play it safe, and for that reason it should be fully expected that he opens on the injured list and takes his time getting back to 100 percent. But the upshot is that there's plenty of reason to believe, based on initial details, that Lewis will miss less time with this season-opening injury than last year's, and hopefully a lot less time.

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[bean5302]

I expect 6-8 weeks. All of April, maybe until 2nd week of May. He'll miss at least 30 games of the regular season.

[minman1982]

I won't expect him back until June. No reason to rush things along at the start of the season.

[Rhyno006]

If he's back before June I'll be moderately surprised. Grade 2 does indeed indicate partial tearing of the soft tissues so I'd bet with his injury history they will not rush him back. 

[twinstalker]

I just hope he's giving advice about this to Jenkins and EmRod.  They need to learn from the best.

[djvang]

Makes Buxton look like Lou Gehrig.

[mikelink45]

I can just wait and see.  Over the years I have watched injured players with rosy expectations take much longer to heal.  The information given out is never complete.  But more than anything some bodies just break down more than others. 

[laloesch]

wow.  You have to wonder the training regiments of these guys.  For a 20 something year old they shouldn't be pulling hammy's that often.  Are these guys doing squats and deadlifts? Are they stretching properly before gametime?  They should be. 

 

[jmlease1]

Sigh. It's a shame that a player with some much skill, so much talent is always struggling to show it on the field because of injuries. Moderate is better than severe, but it's still significant. Here's hoping he's back by May; we should be thinking weeks rather than months right now.

An opportunity has been created for Brooks Lee, Jose Miranda, and Ed Julien (heck, even Mickey Gasper is likely to get a shot while Royce is on the shelf). Who will be the guy to seize it? Hope one of them makes it easy to go slow on Royce's return.

[Parfigliano]

5 minutes ago, laloesch said:

wow.  You have to wonder the training regiments of these guys.  For a 20 something year old they shouldn't be pulling hammy's that often.  Are these guys doing squats and deadlifts? Are they stretching properly before gametime?  They should be. 

 

Maybe a little less squats and deadlifts and dedicate some time to yoga type stretching activity.

[jkcarew]

I’m thinking he rejoins club after the all-star break.

The pessimist in me says that’s how long this injury will take.

The optimist in me says it will take a SECOND hamstring strain (stretching a single in St Paul, etc) to keep him out that long.

[TheLeviathan]

Some people are gifted with amazing genetics to play baseball....but without the equally amazing genetics to withstand it.

[laloesch]

8 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Maybe a little less squats and deadlifts and dedicate some time to yoga type stretching activity.

Yes, both would be ideal.  Squats and deadlifts also strengthen the core muscles of the lower back and stomach area too.  

[Jocko87]

9 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

I’m thinking he rejoins club after the all-star break.

The pessimist in me says that’s how long this injury will take.

The optimist in me says it will take a SECOND hamstring strain (stretching a single in St Paul, etc) to keep him out that long.

I'm not sure the optimist in you is actually an optimist. 

I'm at 6-8 weeks to make sure the cold weather is gone.  No hurry. 

[jkcarew]

32 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

I'm not sure the optimist in you is actually an optimist. 

I’m not sure anymore either. But it’s nothing that an AL pennant can’t fix.

[Hubie29]

Problem is with guys like Lewis, or Buxton, they are never 100%. At any nano second after returning to the line up at 100%, they are more likely than 99% of other players to get hurt again in rather short order. Just doing normal baseball activities like running, accelerating or you name it, seems to be too much for their fragile bodies. With Lewis, it's not how much time he will miss in any given season, it's how many games he will actually play. When he does come back, he's a ticking time bomb until he explodes again. 

[T.O.]

3 hours ago, laloesch said:

wow.  You have to wonder the training regiments of these guys.  For a 20 something year old they shouldn't be pulling hammy's that often.  Are these guys doing squats and deadlifts? Are they stretching properly before gametime?  They should be. 

 

I'm old, out of shape, and never been an athlete but, pulling Hamstrings running the bases?
HE'S GOT TO BE DOING SOMETHING WRONG.
Too much macho weight lifting?
Is he doing this to himself or are the trainers/couches setting him up?

I'm not thinking about him ever returning. Why waste the brain energy? I just pray they don't bring him back too soon or DH him.

[glunn]

I asked my AI program about this and here is its response:

Hamstring injuries are common in baseball, especially for players who need to sprint frequently. Here are some effective strategies to help prevent them:

1. Proper warm-up and stretching - Always include dynamic stretches focusing on the posterior chain before activities.
2. Strength training - Develop balanced leg strength with exercises targeting the hamstrings, glutes, and core. Nordic hamstring curls, Romanian deadlifts, and glute bridges are particularly effective.
3. Flexibility work - Incorporate regular flexibility training, including both dynamic and static stretching after workouts.
4. Balance training - Add exercises that improve proprioception and stability, such as single-leg exercises.
5. Running mechanics - Work with coaches to optimize running form to reduce stress on the hamstrings.
6. Progressive conditioning - Gradually increase training intensity, especially during pre-season or after time off.
7. Recovery management - Allow adequate recovery time between intense training sessions and use techniques like foam rolling, massage, and proper hydration.
8. Listen to your body - Pay attention to early warning signs like tightness or mild discomfort and address them before they become injuries.
9. Proper nutrition - Ensure adequate protein intake and overall nutrition to support muscle health and recovery.
10. Regular assessment - Consider working with trainers or physical therapists for regular biomechanical assessments to identify and address imbalances before they cause problems.

 

[ashbury]

Here's a free idea for RandBalls Stu: Something, something, something else, hangnail, diagnosed as "moderate," expected back around Memorial Day, expected back around July 4, expected back around Labor Day, fan in Blaine explodes in rage.  You're welcome.

[Markdumont25]

To me the issue isn't how long this specific injury keeps him out...the issue is that this is yet another injury in a young career that's already been full of them. It certainly feels reasonable at this point to be concerned he'll never be able to make it through a full season.

[Whitey333]

Another 2 months off for Lewis looks possible.  What else Is new?  Buxton 2.0. Then at the end of the season Lewis will again claim he's tired and worn out.  Just like last year.

[tony&rodney]

People could keep track on an Excel or Word doc of all the injuries to salve their curiosity about the frequency and type of injuries that occur this year. 

Once upon a time I was at a tournament and saw the most athletic player tear his hamstring running down the first base line. It totally ripped and rolled up the back of his leg. Gross. Also, across the years more than a few players succumbed to plantar fasciitis. I'm not sure days off help either.

It seems rather pointless to pick a type of player that gets injured often too. Marcus Semien has basically played every day except for 1 year since he signed and he is a quick twitch athlete. Paul Molitor was called injury prone because an entire trove of serious injuries stole a couple of years from his career, yet he played over 2600 games with over 10,000 at bats. 

I'm hoping both Buxton and Correa stay in the lineup a ton this year because they are the guys who need to lead this team. If players get injured, another guy gets an opportunity. I'm not going to blame the condition of anyone or the trainers or coaches. S**t happens.

[adorduan]

 There was a 9 year stretch of Kirby Puckett's career where he played at least 146 games each year. good ol roly poly Puckett. And these jacked athletes can't stay on the field...

[Mike Sixel]

And people wanted to sign him to a long term deal.... No chance. No way. 

[djm24]

With his numerous injuries, is he not only  "Buxton 2.0" but also "Kirilloff 2.0"? If his injuries continue, I wonder if he'll decide to retire in a couple of years. I also wonder about Caterino.

[D.C Twins]

8 hours ago, bean5302 said:

I expect 6-8 weeks. All of April, maybe until 2nd week of May. He'll miss at least 30 games of the regular season.

....more....

[terrydactyls]

5 hours ago, T.O. said:

Is he doing this to himself or are the trainers/couches setting him up?

 

As someone who sits on a couch a lot, it is very easy to get injured trying to run, even if it's just to the refrigerator.

[TwinsDr2021]

8 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Paul Molitor was called injury prone because an entire trove of serious injuries stole a couple of years from his career, yet he played over 2600 games with over 10,000 at bats. 

Kind of funny what they considered injury prone in the past compared to the current athlete.

Molitor played 125 (21), 140 (22), 111 (23),64(24), 160 (25), he had almost a whole career by the time he was Lewis's age. Molitor was an iron man compared to Lewis and Buxton. In his 21 year career he played less than 125 7 times and one was a strike.

[Parfigliano]

9 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

And people wanted to sign him to a long term deal.... No chance. No way. 

Gotta agree.

[tony&rodney]

John Castino comes to mind when players with talent are injured and forced out of baseball. Castino was ROY, but out of baseball at 29 years of age due to debilitating back injuries. 

Royce Lewis hasn't yet accumulated a season of games at the MLB level but he was knighted a cornerstone and key player by media and fans due to his draft position and promise. We watched Lewis flash his bat on a few precious occasions and it seems those highlights will carry him until he either learns the game and performs or injuries thwart the hope.

We can only hope that Lewis somehow escapes further injury but his troubles highlight the incredible difficulty of playing professional sports.