Twins 12, Angels 3: The Royce Lewis Show

[Matthew Trueblood]

Image courtesy of © Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Box Score
Starting Pitcher: Simeon Woods Richardson - 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K (89 pitches, 57 strikes)
Home Runs: Royce Lewis 2 (12), James Outman (3)
Top 3 WPA: Lewis (.451), Brooks Lee (.076), Luke Keaschall (.061)
Win Probability Chart (Via FanGraphs):

When Royce Lewis is going well, his swagger and charisma seem like another dimension of his game—somehow, a new source of value, rather than just a personality trait. Yes, Lewis swatted two two-run home runs Monday night, and obviously, the runs on the board are the real game-changers. When you watch the way he reacted to the sensation of bat meeting ball on each of them (and the moment when the ball snuck over the glove of center fielder Bryce Teodosio, on the first one), though, it feels like there's something more going on. His rituals make such a spectacle of it that you can't help wondering why opponents don't get angry at him more often. As a fan, though, it's exhilarating, and his teammates take to his authentic and irrepressible energy enthusiastically.

For Twins fans looking ahead to 2026 (and wondering whether Lewis will be part of that team), the bat flip-dugout point-bullpen point-wrist tap-phantom injection-shimmy-shuffle-sky point-dugout roar is not the vital sequence of moves. Those come when he's in the batter's box. The fact that we've seen a lot of Lewis's celebrations lately, though, is a reflection of the fact that we're seeing more productive moves in the box, too. 

Lewis has moved much deeper in the box, starting roughly in mid-August. To give a clear look at the difference, though, let's compare June's version of him to the one we've seen this month. Here's Lewis's stance and stride animation, from Baseball Savant, for June.

As you can see, he was catching the ball out in front of home plate, but not very far in front of himself. He was so spread-out (and got so incredibly spread-out by the time his double-move of a stride was finished) that he ended up rushing himself. Compare the above, though, to where he's setting up and how he's striding this month.

This is the version of Lewis that was hitting .250/.299/.457 since the All-Star break, even before his outburst Monday night. No, those aren't star-caliber numbers, but they represent a huge step forward from where he was for the season before that. There's also something happening—more adjustments being made, and faster—right here in the last fortnight; he was not this deep in the box even in August. 

By giving himself more time and starting a bit more upright, Lewis is allowing himself to catch the ball out in front of his own body by more, even though he's catching it deeper, relative to home plate. 

This version of Lewis's swing is more adaptable, as he showed Monday night. It's less grooved, and he hasn't yet figured out how to make good swing decisions with this combination of timing mechanisms and moves to the ball, but the swing is more functional than it was throughout the first half. That's very good news.

It was a night full of that for the Twins. Simeon Woods Richardson pitched better than his stat line indicated; he got little help from contest-winner catcher Mickey Gasper or oversold glove man James Outman. The latter failed to catch a ball Byron Buxton absolutely would have gotten to, which went for a two-run double in the bottom of the second. He also played a double into a triple to lead off the fifth, and Woods Richardson admirably pitched around that problem. 

Outman did partially redeem himself with a very long home run. Luke Keaschall and Austin Martin reached base a combined six times. The Angels compounded every good thing the Twins did by doing something bad to make things even better for the visitors, but still, it was a good game amid a dreary run to the finish line of this season. Lewis, in particular, left a bright mark. Later in the contest, he also made a charging play that took him across third base and up the line and required an on-the-run throw from an altered arm angle. He converted it flawlessly. This was as good a display of why the fan base fell in love with Lewis as we've seen since 2023.

What’s Next: Zebby Matthews (4-4, 4.73) takes the hill Tuesday night, as the Twins try to press their advantage and seal a series win. The Angels will turn to veteran righty Kyle Hendricks (6-9, 4.81), in another 8:38 PM CT start.

Postgame Interviews:

Coming soon

Bullpen Usage Chart:

	THU	FRI	SAT	SUN	MON	TOT
Hatch	0	0	66	0	0	66
Topa	0	13	0	28	0	41
Funderburk	0	15	0	22	0	37
Sands	0	0	0	14	0	14
Adams	31	0	0	0	38	69
Ohl	29	0	0	0	0	29
Cabrera	20	0	0	8	23	51
Tonkin	11	0	12	0	20	43

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[Parfigliano]

0 runs off the bullpen.  Baby steps.

[Doctor Wu]

Woods-Richardson usually keeps us in the games but he can't seem to get over that 5 inning hump, and I can't blame that all on Rocco. What's the consensus on SWR going forward? Will the Twins remain patient and keep him in the starting rotation next season, or might he become better utilized in the bullpen?

[old nurse]

Another game against AAA pitching to pad the stats 

[Whitey333]

Yes the 12-3 score is nice but it's very deceiving.  5 errors between the two teams.  Lewis had a great game.  This team is real bad and currently at least we as fans have no idea the direction this team is taking this off-season.  Maybe because ownership and front office doesn't know either.  They are decent though of giving us corporate lip service.  Twins instead of being contenders are not even pretenders.  They are a joke in baseball.  It's so sad.

 

[jmlease1]

Gasper didn't do well behind the plate last night, but I was actually a little surprised he got the error; seems to be almost random when the scorer gives those out for players trying to catch a foul ball. But it wasn't a good day in the field for either team. Outman may have had his best day at the plate since becoming a Twin, but looked like a guy who needs to be moved out of CF. And yet, we still did better than the Angels, who kicked the ball around even more.

I'm still nervous about Martin's SLG being below his OBP, but if he can keep getting on base like this and find a few xbhs then he's going to have a role. He's starting to look like a classic leadoff man, so if he can get better with his decision-making on the bases, that might be a real asset. Be nice to have guys like Martin and Keaschall getting on base for big boppers like Buxton.

I'm not ready to declare Royce Lewis fixed, but he's definitely looking better. The question is whether or not he can find this more consistently. And I'd definitely like to see him get to a point where he's comfortable taking walks and not hacking so much (still gets himself out too often chasing pitches out of the zone). But this was a good game. And he's had some recently where he's hammered the ball hard and it's just been right at someone. So hopefully he's finding a process that's working better. His play at 3B is certainly encouraging: he's back to looking like a real asset there.

Happy to see Adams rack up 4 K's in relief and keep runs off the board. not thrilled to see him walk 2 in 1 2/3, but like seeing them test him as a reliever and not a bulk innings/starting role. Be great if he takes to the transition in role.

[Doctor Gast]

2 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

Woods-Richardson usually keeps us in the games but he can't seem to get over that 5 inning hump, and I can't blame that all on Rocco. What's the consensus on SWR going forward? Will the Twins remain patient and keep him in the starting rotation next season, or might he become better utilized in the bullpen?

SWR is still a young arm, still recovering from his illness. So at this point, 5 innings is reasonable. Even at his young age, he's mature for his age, adjusts pretty well, he keeps us in the game & is established. So I'd keep him in the rotation & let him go as long as he can which is normally 5 innings, which is fine for the time being. In time he could go longer. 

[Doctor Gast]

I was surprised that this was the 1st time Lewis played at his hometown stadium. I imagine many friends & family were there. One of the few reasons I follow the Twins is to follow Lewis & Martin's hitting after both of them have said they are going to return to their old swing again. Both are having a resurgence. As lead-off Martin got on 3X & scored 3X. Lewis got 4 RBIs. Up the middle; Outman in CF, Gasper at catcher, even Lee is solid, he's no Correa & Keaschall at 2B leaves something to be desired. Twins handily won this one but .......? 

[MinnInPa]

2 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

Woods-Richardson usually keeps us in the games but he can't seem to get over that 5 inning hump, and I can't blame that all on Rocco. What's the consensus on SWR going forward? Will the Twins remain patient and keep him in the starting rotation next season, or might he become better utilized in the bullpen?

he's a # 5 at best..  next year..Lopez, Ryan ,Ober, Matthews and Festa..dont even see him as top 5 

[mikelink45]

12 minutes ago, MinnInPa said:

he's a # 5 at best..  next year..Lopez, Ryan ,Ober, Matthews and Festa..dont even see him as top 5 

I am not counting on Festa. Hope he comes back strong. 

[DJL44]

11 minutes ago, MinnInPa said:

he's a # 5 at best..  next year..Lopez, Ryan ,Ober, Matthews and Festa..dont even see him as top 5 

SWR has been better than Ober this season and I expect Festa will move to the bullpen next year. He's been as good as Matthews and he's younger than Matthews. I'm guessing the rotation is Lopez, Bradley, SWR, Matthews and Abel.

[Peter]

Big time very important win!!! All wins rest of season will be very important!!! No tanking!!! Personally if you tank you need to be penalized 5 years of draft picks!!! No tanking!!!

[terrydactyls]

P	Team	W	L	PCT	GB
1	Chicago White Sox	55	89	0.382	-
2	Minnesota Twins	64	80	0.444	9.0
3	Pittsburgh Pirates	64	80	0.444	9.0
4	Atlanta Braves	65	79	0.451	10.0
5	Whatever Athletics	66	79	0.455	10.5
6	Miami Marlins	66	78	0.458	11.0
8	Baltimore Orioles	66	77	0.462	11.5
7	Los Angeles Angels	67	77	0.465	12.0
11	Tampa Bay Rays	71	72	0.497	16.5
10	St. Louis Cardinals	72	73	0.497	16.5
9	Arizona Diamondbacks	72	73	0.497	16.5
13	San Francisco Giants	73	71	0.507	18.0
12	Cleveland Guardians	73	70	0.510	18.5
14	Texas Rangers	75	70	0.517	19.5

[rdehring]

41 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

SWR has been better than Ober this season and I expect Festa will move to the bullpen next year. He's been as good as Matthews and he's younger than Matthews. I'm guessing the rotation is Lopez, Bradley, SWR, Matthews and Abel.

Agree with this logic, DJL44, but feel that Matthews is better suited for the pen.  Maybe next year's closer?

If Lewis can only have a good winter and spring.  If he is healthy on opening day he could have a huge season and be that difference the Twins will need to compete in 2026.  They have the starters, add an improved Martin and Keaschall along with the Buck Truck and the Twins could be fun to watch.  Yes, they have to restock the pen, but they should have the assets to complete a few trades this winter along with signing one or two good relievers.

[terrydactyls]

46 minutes ago, Peter said:

Big time very important win!!! All wins rest of season will be very important!!! No tanking!!! Personally if you tank you need to be penalized 5 years of draft picks!!! No tanking!!!

How do you differentiate "tanking" from "crappy team"?

[RpR]

4 hours ago, old nurse said:

Another game against AAA pitching to pad the stats 

Their fielding errors were a large part, but their starting pitcher looked a lot like Ryan; 9 Ks but 2 home runs in 5 innings.

[old nurse]

20 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

How do you differentiate "tanking" from "crappy team"?

Tanking is when you trade away your best bullpen pitchers and one of your best hitters in the outfield when you don’t have replacements.  Crappy team is what you are left with. 

[AKTwinsFan]

The same issues have been ongoing for Wallner. His super open stance and exaggerated leg kick make him mostly late on pitches. If he'd square up a little more and not pull up his leg so much he would get to more pitches. Its something Polanco never worked out till he got to Seattle, now IMO a way better hitter. 

[mickster]

2 hours ago, MinnInPa said:

he's a # 5 at best..  next year..Lopez, Ryan ,Ober, Matthews and Festa..dont even see him as top 5 

SWR will be #5, Festa will/should be in the bullpen

[LA Vikes Fan]

2 hours ago, MinnInPa said:

he's a # 5 at best..  next year..Lopez, Ryan ,Ober, Matthews and Festa..dont even see him as top 5 

This is really the issue. SWR can be a competent #5 starter. His problem is that he's competing with guys that have more upside and a strong possibility of being better. He's a comforting security blanket; he's not great, but he's not bad, so he's good to have around if the other, higher upside guys like Bradley, Matthews, Festa, Prielipp, Rojas, and Abel, either don't make it or take a couple of more years to make it.   

I really think that we need to convert a couple of pitchers from the above group to the bullpen for 2026. I would seriously think about putting Festa in the pen. His shoulder/body may not be able to handle starting and I think he could be the next Duran as a closer. I would put SWR there too as a 6th starter/ long man. Start the 2026 season with a rotation of Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Matthews and Bradley. That leaves enough guys for a strong AAA rotation from Abel, Prielipp (another whose physical issues may make him a late inning reliever), Morris, Rojas, John Klein, MacLeod, Raya, and CJ Culpepper. SWR is the next man up in case of a starter's injury or ineffectiveness. Add those 2 plus 1 or 2 Coulombe, Taylor Rogers, Phil Maton types to the 2 or 3 guys we have that should stay and it helps us fill out a decent bullpen, something we sure as hell don't have now.  

[cheeseheadgophfan]

I don't get the point of the article pointing out Royce's homerun celebrations....i don't think they're anything out of the "ordinary" in today's game....

And he's playing in front of friends and family in his hometown for the first time.....cut him some slack.

[jmlease1]

2 hours ago, AKTwinsFan said:

The same issues have been ongoing for Wallner. His super open stance and exaggerated leg kick make him mostly late on pitches. If he'd square up a little more and not pull up his leg so much he would get to more pitches. Its something Polanco never worked out till he got to Seattle, now IMO a way better hitter. 

Polanco looks pretty much like he did in 2019 & 2021 with the Twins. I'm sure he made some adjustments after a pretty poor 2024, but he's also playing as a primary DH now with only about 20% of his time at 2B, so maybe the fact that he's playing so little in the field is keeping him healthier/fresher to hit. 

[RpR]

1 hour ago, cheeseheadgophfan said:

I don't get the point of the article pointing out Royce's homerun celebrations....i don't think they're anything out of the "ordinary" in today's game....

And he's playing in front of friends and family in his hometown for the first time.....cut him some slack.

LOL, I remember well Cruz's and Sano's home run celebrations.

[1985Fan]

Great to see Lewis have a good game. I think the major part to his success or failure is his confidence. If he can build on recent improvements and last nights game, I think the outlook for him next season is going to be good. 
As Yogi Berra said: “baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical”. 😀

[LambchoP]

Glad Adams is getting a real look in the pen. They should be doing the same with Ohl, Raya and Prelipp. I think Festa could be an eventual closer some day if he can get healthy.

[Thumbs Down Guy]

Royce Lewis gets two HRs against a pitcher with a 6+ ERA. This is good, but let's not get overly excited about it. When he hits good against a pitcher with a 3+ ERA I will begin to be a believer. 

[old nurse]

9 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

This is really the issue. SWR can be a competent #5 starter. His problem is that he's competing with guys that have more upside and a strong possibility of being better. He's a comforting security blanket; he's not great, but he's not bad, so he's good to have around if the other, higher upside guys like Bradley, Matthews, Festa, Prielipp, Rojas, and Abel, either don't make it or take a couple of more years to make it.   

I really think that we need to convert a couple of pitchers from the above group to the bullpen for 2026. I would seriously think about putting Festa in the pen. His shoulder/body may not be able to handle starting and I think he could be the next Duran as a closer. I would put SWR there too as a 6th starter/ long man. Start the 2026 season with a rotation of Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Matthews and Bradley. That leaves enough guys for a strong AAA rotation from Abel, Prielipp (another whose physical issues may make him a late inning reliever), Morris, Rojas, John Klein, MacLeod, Raya, and CJ Culpepper. SWR is the next man up in case of a starter's injury or ineffectiveness. Add those 2 plus 1 or 2 Coulombe, Taylor Rogers, Phil Maton types to the 2 or 3 guys we have that should stay and it helps us fill out a decent bullpen, something we sure as hell don't have now.  

The problem is that after 20, 25, 75 games the others have potential and upside that are talked about. Consistent results, not so much. 

[jorgenswest]

15 hours ago, old nurse said:

Another game against AAA pitching to pad the stats 

They don’t get to face themselves so they are at a disadvantage here compared to batters on other teams.

[jorgenswest]

15 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

Woods-Richardson usually keeps us in the games but he can't seem to get over that 5 inning hump, and I can't blame that all on Rocco. What's the consensus on SWR going forward? Will the Twins remain patient and keep him in the starting rotation next season, or might he become better utilized in the bullpen?

Is the age 24 season early for a consensus? 

[Blyleven2011]

15 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

I was surprised that this was the 1st time Lewis played at his hometown stadium. I imagine many friends & family were there. One of the few reasons I follow the Twins is to follow Lewis & Martin's hitting after both of them have said they are going to return to their old swing again. Both are having a resurgence. As lead-off Martin got on 3X & scored 3X. Lewis got 4 RBIs. Up the middle; Outman in CF, Gasper at catcher, even Lee is solid, he's no Correa & Keaschall at 2B leaves something to be desired. Twins handily won this one but .......? 

Remember buxton said the same thing ...