Royce Lewis Could Go on a Rehab Assignment Very, Very Soon. How Close is He to Returning?

[Eric Blonigen]

Another star coming back? In this economy?

Image courtesy of © Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

I gotta be honest with you all: I didn’t think it was even allowed for the snakebitten 2025 Twins to get multiple pieces of good news in the same week. But, here we are; it happened. And you know what? I’ll take it.

Over the past few days, hope and excitement around Royce Lewis, erstwhile top prospect and current oft-injured superstar-in-waiting, has grown. The first real sign that his return may be imminent came before the Tuesday night game against the White Sox, when Lewis was spotted doing sprints.

Then during the game broadcast, Audra Martin hinted that Lewis could begin a rehab assignment soon. Early Wednesday, we learned that Lewis had run the bases for the third consecutive day and reported no discomfort or limitations. The inclusion of sliding is usually the last box that needs to be checked before a rehab assignment can begin, Lewis said.

Then, in the Wednesday pregame interviews, Lewis himself shared some thoughts, and the often-overconfident slugger demonstrated a more measured, realistic view of his path ahead. Among other things, he shared:

“I’m just trying to get to, you know, a point where I’m being myself out there. I’m never thinking about, like, 'Oh, I’m just going to go slower,' unless they tell me to." He added: “I do know that everyone’s got my best interests in mind, and they’re thinking about the long term, not just the short term.”

When might he be back with the Twins?
So, gaming this out a bit, based on Matthew Leach’s reporting, we might assume that Lewis begins a rehab assignment as early as this Friday.

These assignments can be up to 20 days for hitters, but the goal is usually to personalize this length depending on what a player’s situation is. In Lewis’s case, he’s been on the shelf since mid-March, so it’s probably safe to assume that he will need significant reps against live pitching before rejoining the Twins. If all goes well, I could speculate that fans might be eyeing a return by May 5th—maybe even a bit sooner. To be clear, this is not a timeline based on insider info from the Twins' trainers, medical staff, or other team officials. It's just an educated guess. Typically, in a situation like this with a soft-tissue injury, there are some milestones to clear.

First, he will probably play a game, then get a day off to test how his body responds. Then, he will need to be able to play in back-to-back games without adverse effects. He will need to have the opportunity to stretch, dive, and sprint. Those hurdles could be cleared in a day, or they could take several. Then, aside from the physical hurdles, there’s also the matter of ensuring his swing is ready, as he didn’t get a full spring ramp-up. To build his confidence and ease him in, it’s possible that he visits multiple different levels. A lot will depend on how he looks as he progresses through his rehab assignment, as well as how coaches have felt his swing looks in the cage and during live batting practice.

Here’s where Lewis’s supreme confidence comes to the forefront and instills hope for a speedy return, as he also added in Wednesday’s interview:

“I can hit on one leg and still be great. I just trust in my baseball ability, you know. God gave me some great gifts.”

So, if Lewis hits a grand slam in his first plate appearance with the Triple-A Saints, well, maybe he will be back sooner than we think.

What will the impact be for the rest of the roster?
This is a little trickier, because there are a lot of moving pieces. It’s tough to predict who will be healthy—or hitting—a week from now, let alone two or three weeks out. Among infielders, Luke Keaschall has looked like the real deal, putting up an OPS that would make Aaron Judge blush, while stealing bases like Elly De La Cruz.

Brooks Lee is part of the future core, even if his entré into the Twins lineup hasn’t quite gone according to plan. Carlos Correa, if healthy, will be playing every day. Ty France is entrenched at first base, and has mostly acquitted himself well there. Willi Castro is going to get his at-bats. Will the new-look infield consist of those guys, plus Lewis? Or will his return lead to a demotion of one of the other young hitters?

Perhaps the Twins decide to make Lewis an everyday DH at first, in an attempt to keep him healthy. If so, that might spell trouble for Trevor Larnach once Matt Wallner is back from his own injury. It would also prevent the sort of roster flexibility that’s been a hallmark of Baldelli’s tenure as manager, and Larnach's bat is heating up. Either way, assuming health (never a safe bet with the Twins organization), a roster crunch is likely right around the corner. But, Lewis’s return will certainly elevate a roster that’s struggled to do damage at the plate.

Another thing that’s certain is Lewis’s return (and Keaschall’s ascendance) bring a greater meritocracy to the lineup, and will prevent some of the 'tweener hitters like Edouard Julien and Jose Miranda from hoovering up plate appearance that they haven’t (strictly speaking) earned. Julien has picked it up quite a bit at the plate recently, so it's no one's first instinct to demote him, but if enough hamstrings and obliques remain intact, someone will have to be sent down.

Like I said at the top, it’s rare for the Twins to legitimately be the beneficiaries of some decent fortune. When this team goes on a five-game winning streak, we will all know that anything is possible and hope is still alive for the 2025 season.

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What do you think about Lewis’s likely return? Who should be sent down to make room for him? I’d love to hear from you.

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[Patzky]

I will believe it when I see it.

 

He will be a pick me up for everyone when it happens, and Bride is hanging around not playing at all. Would seem the logical cut.

[Melissa]

I agree that putting Carlos on the IL is the best move once there's a roster crunch in the infield (if not right now!). Move Lee to shortstop while CC is out, put Luke at third if his arm is strong enough, keep Eddie at second. If Willi comes back soon enough, put him at third, and Luke and Eddie platoon at second.

[DJL44]

There is always an article asking "What will the team do when everyone is healthy?" but I don't remember a time when that has happened.

[LambchoP]

I'm guessing Bride will be sent down when Lewis is activated. Man, Royce sure sounds cocky for a guy that is hurt more than he plays. I like the confidence but some of his interviews really come off as a bit over the top. "I could hit on one leg I'm so good"? Really? How about proving you can produce at a solid level for a decent chunk of time without hurting yourself. Not sure what to do about Correa. All they can really do is move him way down in the lineup so he doesn't have as many double play opportunities and just hope he comes out of his horrible funk. It's not like he'd agree to be sent to the minors to find his swing. Maybe they put him on a minimum IL stint then rehab him at AA and AAA until he starts hitting?

[Karbo]

16 minutes ago, Melissa said:

I agree that putting Carlos on the IL is the best move once there's a roster crunch in the infield (if not right now!). Move Lee to shortstop while CC is out, put Luke at third if his arm is strong enough, keep Eddie at second. If Willi comes back soon enough, put him at third, and Luke and Eddie platoon at second.

I don't see them putting Keaschall anywhere but 2nd, 1st, or DH. They want to give his arm more time. Bride would be the logical choice for demotion.

[thelanges5]

Different but somewhat related topic. Castro still not playing and should be on the IL. Maybe this speaks more to our lack of depth on the 40 man or AAA? He could go on the IL for Lewis as the short term move. 
 

Correa is a slow RH that hits the ball hard on the ground. This is a recipe for double plays, and he will continue to lead the league. Hopefully this is just a funk and not who he is. 

[Linus]

 Can we please stop with the “superstar in waiting” crap. Royce has proven that he is a streaky hitter who is subpar in the field and not fast anymore. Let’s let him show it on the field before we shower him with accolades. As for where he plays, Lee is the best third baseman if he hits which is still unknown. 

[Linus]

13 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I don't see them putting Keaschall anywhere but 2nd, 1st, or DH. They want to give his arm more time. Bride would be the logical choice for demotion.

Yep- he would need a cutoff man to play third. 

[jmlease1]

Hope to see Royce back soon. Happy to have him DH some and play 3B. I wouldn't expect him to be on a long rehab assignment: 7-10 days so he can get in some game time, get some ABs in against live opposition pitching to get his timing in place. the homestand vs Baltimore/SF seems like a decent target?

A healthy Royce could put a jolt into this lineup.

[bean5302]

38 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Different but somewhat related topic. Castro still not playing and should be on the IL. Maybe this speaks more to our lack of depth on the 40 man or AAA? He could go on the IL for Lewis as the short term move. 
 

Correa is a slow RH that hits the ball hard on the ground. This is a recipe for double plays, and he will continue to lead the league. Hopefully this is just a funk and not who he is. 

Castro is on the IL. Retroactive to the 21st.

[Mike Sixel]

I'd put Royce at first and bench France..... Or at second and put Keaschell at first.

[Jocko87]

53 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

I'm guessing Bride will be sent down when Lewis is activated.

Bride doesn’t have options, that’s why he was available.  Probably gets cut again but there will be other injuries as well. 

[DJL44]

58 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Different but somewhat related topic. Castro still not playing and should be on the IL. Maybe this speaks more to our lack of depth on the 40 man or AAA? He could go on the IL for Lewis as the short term move. 

He's on the IL now. Gasper up.

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, Melissa said:

I agree that putting Carlos on the IL is the best move once there's a roster crunch in the infield (if not right now!). Move Lee to shortstop while CC is out, put Luke at third if his arm is strong enough, keep Eddie at second. If Willi comes back soon enough, put him at third, and Luke and Eddie platoon at second.

And Castro is finally on the IL.

[chpettit19]

Royce alternates between 3B and DH. Keaschall alternate between DH, 2B, and 1B. Julien DH and 2B. France 1B and bench. Bader more time off with Castro taking time in the OF. Lee 3B and 2B. 

Most likely answer is somebody else is hurt by the time Lewis is back or not that long after he is back. If they all miraculously stay healthy and productive for a month or 2 straight, trade one of them for a catcher and then freak out over the lack of infield depth again when 2 get hurt.

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, chpettit19 said:

Royce alternates between 3B and DH. Keaschall alternate between DH, 2B, and 1B. Julien DH and 2B. France 1B and bench. Bader more time off with Castro taking time in the OF. Lee 3B and 2B. 

Most likely answer is somebody else is hurt by the time Lewis is back or not that long after he is back. If they all miraculously stay healthy and productive for a month or 2 straight, trade one of them for a catcher and then freak out over the lack of in field depth again when 2 get hurt.

Castro to the IL today.

[bean5302]

24 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He's on the IL now. Gasper up.

 

15 minutes ago, Patzky said:

And Castro is finally on the IL.

 

4 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Royce alternates between 3B and DH. Keaschall alternate between DH, 2B, and 1B. Julien DH and 2B. France 1B and bench. Bader more time off with Castro taking time in the OF. Lee 3B and 2B. 

Most likely answer is somebody else is hurt by the time Lewis is back or not that long after he is back. If they all miraculously stay healthy and productive for a month or 2 straight, trade one of them for a catcher and then freak out over the lack of in field depth again when 2 get hurt.

 

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Castro to the IL today.

Pfffffttt... Do I seriously need to start writing "FIRST!!!!!!!!" in the comment threads? oh wait! Maybe you all have me on "ignore"? Never mind. Carry on!

[Mike Sixel]

39 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'd put Royce at first and bench France..... Or at second and put Keaschell at first.

Or Lee at second and Julien at DH. But then where is Keaschell? My preference is Lee at third, Royce at second, Keaschell at first and Julien at DH. Give them a month. 

[chpettit19]

4 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Castro to the IL today.

 

3 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

 

 

 

Pfffffttt... Do I seriously need to start writing "FIRST!!!!!!!!" in the comment threads?

I assume Castro will be back before Lewis. Or at least at essentially the same time. And since we're talking about what to do when Lewis is back it feels like mentioning Castro is pretty relevant. Unless somebody has reliable information that suggests Castro will be out for a significant amount of time.

[bean5302]

Love the news Royce Lewis could be back as early as the end of next week. Way faster than I dared to hope. I was expecting Mid May at the earliest given how serious his injuries have been. His IL trips are at least getting shorter. Maybe in a couple years he'll just have to sit out a couple games with soreness? hehe

[bean5302]

1 minute ago, chpettit19 said:

 

I assume Castro will be back before Lewis. Or at least at essentially the same time. And since we're talking about what to do when Lewis is back it feels like mentioning Castro is pretty relevant. Unless somebody has reliable information that suggests Castro will be out for a significant amount of time.

I wouldn't. Obliques are often 8-12+ week injuries as they're very slow to heal for a variety of reasons. Not putting Castro on the IL immediately when he hurt it was not a logical decision. Even in a best case scenario, you'd expect Castro to be out a couple weeks, and you certainly don't want him returning early because if he aggravates it, it could be after the All Star Break / Trade Deadline before he's ready to return.

Just my opinion, though.

[DJL44]

10 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Pfffffttt... Do I seriously need to start writing "FIRST!!!!!!!!" in the comment threads? oh wait! Maybe you all have me on "ignore"? Never mind. Carry on!

This site takes 5-10 minutes to update in my experience.

[Mike Sixel]

18 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

 

I assume Castro will be back before Lewis. Or at least at essentially the same time. And since we're talking about what to do when Lewis is back it feels like mentioning Castro is pretty relevant. Unless somebody has reliable information that suggests Castro will be out for a significant amount of time.

Fair. Was just pointing it out .

[Trov]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

There is always an article asking "What will the team do when everyone is healthy?" but I don't remember a time when that has happened.

Exactly, this generally works itself out because they generally have someone else that goes on IL.  If for some reason, everyone is healthy, it will depend on how they are performing will depend on who gets sent down.

Right now, Lee is not making it hard to stay on the team when Lewis comes back.  Julien is not making at bats come his way all the time either.  France has been decent but if he regresses that will easy open up First for someone.  Wallner has been good before his injury.  Larnach has not bee good, but picked it up the last few games, but he does not have long history of needing to get a long leash as either fielder or DH.  I do find it interesting that since moving off DH to the filed is when his bat has increased. This is common for many players to have a dip in offense as a DH. Not sure how Lewis would do as DH. 

[Guest]

Bride is the low man and first out.  

Royce has already had chances to hit on one leg and it didn't work out well....

[rdehring]

If everyone stays healthy, I would like to see Lee sent back to AAA.  He was brought up last year before he was ready.  Then this year he was hurt and again brought up without hardly any time at AAA.  Or did he not get any time there?

The young man has a ton of potential and sure looks to me to be their best current option at third.  Hopefully, he can get half a year under his belt at AAA and return in fall as the big league player most assume he can be.

[Gamblerssoftball]

I'll be surprised if Lewis makes it out of rehab without the hammy barking again.

[BillyBallLives]

3 hours ago, thelanges5 said:

Correa is a slow RH that hits the ball hard on the ground. This is a recipe for double plays, and he will continue to lead the league. Hopefully this is just a funk and not who he is. 

It's who he is. 2023...hit into 30.

14th most in MLB history. 

Still...FO resigned him to a mega contract.???

[BillyBallLives]

If history repeats itself,  which it already has several times with Lewis. He won't get thru May without ending up on the DL again. 

2025 is his 4th season as a Twin, yet he's only played in 152 games. 

About 30% of all games since 2022. 

What's more insane, Bobby Witt Jr. ...enter mlb in 2022 as did Lewis. Witt has played in 97% of games since. He's missed a total of 17 games since 2022.

What these players share in common. 

1. Both drafted out of high school in the first round. Lewis #1 in 2017, Witt #2 in 2019

2. Both are infielders.

3. Both enter mlb in 2022

Just stating facts. Blast me if you want.