Royce Lewis is Back, James Outman Designated for Assignment

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

According to multiple reports, the Twins are recalling Royce Lewis from Triple-A St. Paul. In a corresponding move, James Outman has been designated for assignment.

Just a few weeks ago, it was fair to wonder whether Lewis had played his last game in a Twins uniform. Injuries have repeatedly interrupted his career, and when he was healthy this season, he simply wasn't producing. Through his first stint with Minnesota in 2026, Lewis hit just .163/.261/.279 while striking out in 31.1% of his plate appearances.

The Twins finally made the difficult decision to send him to Triple-A in mid-May, hoping he could reset both physically and mentally. Lewis responded exactly as the organization had hoped.

In 13 games with the Saints, Lewis slashed .340/.417/.868 with eight home runs, 19 RBI, and 12 runs scored. Just as encouraging was the reduction in strikeouts. After fanning at an alarming rate in the majors, Lewis cut that number to 19.6% during his time in St. Paul.

Of course, success against Triple-A pitching doesn't automatically guarantee major-league success. However, the Twins know better than anyone what Lewis is capable of when healthy and locked in. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, injuries limited him to just 280 plate appearances, but he still posted a remarkable .307/.364/.549 (.913) slash line. The talent has never been in question. The challenge has always been keeping him on the field and consistently productive.

His return also raises interesting questions about how the Twins plan to deploy him defensively. Lewis has spent most of his professional career at third base, and that was his primary position before the demotion. Since then, Brooks Lee has settled in at the hot corner while continuing to strengthen his case as a long-term fixture in the infield. With top prospect and shortstop Kaelen Culpepper tearing up Triple-A, the organization's future infield picture suddenly appeared much more crowded.

Rather than limiting himself to third base, Lewis has started expanding his versatility. Earlier this week, he appeared at second base, his first professional game there since a brief experiment in 2024. He also made his first professional appearance at first base, giving the Twins another potential avenue to get his bat into the lineup. That flexibility could prove valuable.

First base remains one of the more unsettled spots on the roster. Kody Clemens, Josh Bell, and Victor Caratini have all received significant playing time there this season. Since Ryan Jeffers suffered a hamate fracture in mid-May, Caratini has become the club's primary catcher, reducing his availability at first base.

Bell, meanwhile, is hitting just .227/.289/.345 (.634) and is a pending free agent and isn’t in the team’s long-term plans. While the veteran still has value, there is a reasonable argument for reducing his workload if Lewis forces the issue offensively.

Clemens presents another interesting wrinkle. He has enjoyed a productive season at the plate while providing defensive flexibility all over the field. The Twins have used him at every outfield position, and Matt Wallner's recent demotion created additional opportunities in the corners. Trevor Larnach and Austin Martin have performed well in those spots, but Clemens' ability to move around the diamond remains an asset.

The reality is that Lewis' roster outlook looked dramatically different a month ago. Between his struggles at the plate, his growing salary through arbitration, and the emergence of Lee and Culpepper, there was a legitimate path toward a non-tender this offseason. At $2.85 million this year and with additional raises looming, Lewis needed to remind the organization why he remains worth investing in. His performance in St. Paul accomplished exactly that.

As for Outman, the move is far less surprising. The 29-year-old never established a meaningful role on the roster and was used sparingly throughout the season. In 49 games, he posted a 34 OPS+ and accumulated -0.4 rWAR. For a player with parts of five major-league seasons on his résumé, the production simply wasn't enough to justify a roster spot.

Now the focus shifts back to Lewis. The Twins don't need him to be the player who dominated Triple-A pitching over the past two weeks. They simply need him to look like the impact talent that once appeared destined to become a franchise cornerstone. The opportunities are still there, even if the path looks different from what it did a year ago.

After a month that seemed to place his future in Minnesota in doubt, Lewis has earned another chance. What he does with it could go a long way toward determining whether he's part of the Twins' future or merely receiving one final opportunity to prove he belongs.

What stands out about Lewis and his Triple-A performance? How will the Twins use Lewis defensively? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[Chembry]

Now all Twins fans can now rejoice that Outman is no longer on the 40-man…on the other hand he will likely go unclaimed and remain in the organization since he can’t reject an outright assignment, so we may see him again in the future.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Glad to see Lewis hit the milestones to make his return to Minneapolis so quickly! Looking forward to Royce on the right side of the diamond

[Mike Sixel]

Outman is finally off the roster. I don'yt Lewis is fixed.... But it's a start..

[D.C Twins]

 

  

Better late than never for Outman coming off the MLB roster, I guess... 

[CRF]

Yea...Outman is finally out! No one will want him, so he'll end up in StP. I doubt we've seen the last of him. Let's see if Royce figured anything out that will translate for a better performance now that he's back. 

[bean5302]

Here's hoping Lewis isn't expecting to hit 2HR per game at the MLB level and he's able to lay off bad pitches he won't be able to contact or drive. If he's willing to be more patient, I believe he'll be good. as far as where he plays, who knows with this team.

[Sjoski]

After Lewis strikes out,  and in process tears his ACL.... the "Out" man will be "In" again.

[1985Fan]

I doubt Lewis is fixed. What a short sighted move. I read he has played two games at 1B and one at 2B, so now Twins think he’s ready to play those positions at MLB level? I watched last nights Saints game. Royce went 0-4 and did not look impressive. His feet/stance looked stable in the box compared to earlier this year, but he looks like he’s still trying to pull everything. I can see this turning out badly. I’ll hope for the best…..

[Over The Hill Again]

I’m hoping for the best. All things equal, I like the energy he can bring and the Twins are a better/more entertaining team when he’s”on”. Will he be? What, if any , position will he be allowed to settle into? Who knows; I don’t think a handful of at bats at AAA changed anything. But the Twins need to find out quickly if Lewis has a future here. 

[LA Vikes Fan]

Lewis is starting at 2B today. I think he will see time there, an occasional day at 3B to give Lee a break, and as a DH. I think Clemens is the 1B for the foreseeable future given that he can actually field the position and is hitting well. I expect to see. Keaschall at 2B and LF, occasional DH. I think the loser in all of this from playing time standpoint will be Josh Bell who I think they’re probably actively trying to trade.   
 

Any word on who is taking Outman’s open 40 man spot? Might be time for Fedko to get a look. 

[C-Gangster]

Liked outman as a player and person but had to happen. Can't wait to see lewis back in action!

[DJL44]

Is there still a role for Arcia on this roster?

[Cody Christie]

 

[Cody Christie]

4 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Is there still a role for Arcia on this roster?

Keeping a seat warm for a Culpepper call up

[stringer bell]

34 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Any word on who is taking Outman’s open 40 man spot? Might be time for Fedko to get a look. 

Leaving a 40-man spot open is what will happen until the Twins need to add someone from off the 40-man. There is room to add Culpepper or Fedko or a non-roster pitcher

[IndianaTwin]

36 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Lewis is starting at 2B today. I think he will see time there, an occasional day at 3B to give Lee a break, and as a DH. I think Clemens is the 1B for the foreseeable future given that he can actually field the position and is hitting well. I expect to see. Keaschall at 2B and LF, occasional DH. I think the loser in all of this from playing time standpoint will be Josh Bell who I think they’re probably actively trying to trade.   
 

Any word on who is taking Outman’s open 40 man spot? Might be time for Fedko to get a look. 

There’s no need to fill the 40-man until they have someone they want to activate. Having an open spot allows them to make a waiver claim without having to DFA someone. 

[rdehring]

Am surprised he is coming back this soon.  But none of us, or the Twins, expected he would be hitting like he has over in St. Paul.  Could the injury limiting Buxton's availability the next X number of games be a reason he's back so soon?  Considering Outman can play center, unlikely. 

Will agree with the above comments that it is going to be interesting seeing who is playing where the next couple weeks, or longer.  Lord, please let this young man finally be the player we all know he can be.

 

[stringer bell]

IMHO, it is mostly between the ears with Royce. The trip to AAA at least temporarily restored his confidence. The next slump will test that confidence.

Hopefully he can persevere. I think he has the talent to be very good, but if temporary failure derails him, he won’t be anywhere near his upside.  

[RpR]

1 hour ago, Chembry said:

Now all Twins fans can now rejoice that Outman is no longer on the 40-man…on the other hand he will likely go unclaimed and remain in the organization since he can’t reject an outright assignment, so we may see him again in the future.

The Twins will miss his glove as Buxton temp. replacement but it is amazing how he seems to have inherited Lewis' ability hit major league pitchers.

[darin617]

16 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

IMHO, it is mostly between the ears with Royce. The trip to AAA at least temporarily restored his confidence. The next slump will test that confidence.

Hopefully he can persevere. I think he has the talent to be very good, but if temporary failure derails him, he won’t be anywhere near his upside.  

Possibly, it doesn't help that Lewis keeps chasing pitches.

[AceWrigley]

I'm surprised the Twins are calling Lewis up already. I guess if confidence was the major necessary improvement, ok. And starting at 2B after playing there 1 game for St. Paul, ok. Maybe Lewis is on board with this now and the combo of revived confidence and a new position(s) will be a springboard for more success moving forward.

[darin617]

Does it make sense for the Twins to keep Outman in St Paul if he goes unclaimed? Unless he's banished to the bench and pretty much just a pinch runner.

The Saints have too many in the outfield already and will get worse once everyone is healthy. No reason for Outman to steal any AB's from the prospects.

[thelanges5]

They should be making decisions based on what is best for the future not to try to win a couple games in June. I hope he’s ready, I’ve always loved watching him play when he’s right.

[GopherMike]

1 hour ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Lewis is starting at 2B today. I think he will see time there, an occasional day at 3B to give Lee a break, and as a DH. I think Clemens is the 1B for the foreseeable future given that he can actually field the position and is hitting well. I expect to see. Keaschall at 2B and LF, occasional DH. I think the loser in all of this from playing time standpoint will be Josh Bell who I think they’re probably actively trying to trade.   
 

Any word on who is taking Outman’s open 40 man spot? Might be time for Fedko to get a look. 

I had the exact same thought about Fedko. Even if the Twins brass doesn't believe in him at the MLB level....at this point he deserves the opportunity to prove them wrong. 

[GopherMike]

14 minutes ago, darin617 said:

Does it make sense for the Twins to keep Outman in St Paul if he goes unclaimed? Unless he's banished to the bench and pretty much just a pinch runner.

The Saints have too many in the outfield already and will get worse once everyone is healthy. No reason for Outman to steal any AB's from the prospects.

We said the same thing about starting pitching this year.

Things can change really fast with a few injuries. 

[GopherMike]

50 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Is there still a role for Arcia on this roster?

Great question.

I'm not 100% convinced there isn't a Keaschall to AAA move that happens IF Royce can establish himself (big IF). I think they hold onto Arcia for a while to see what options present themselves. 

[gil4]

My thought was this sure seems rushed.  Maybe it's because today is the Royce Lewis jersey giveaway.

When I checked to confirm, it turns out they changed it to Buxton t-shirts.  Which explains why he ran into that wall last night.

[TJSweens]

The writing was on the wall when the Twins used Cody Clemens in CF instead of Outman against RHP when Buxton was nursing his sore hip.

[Wedman13]

2 hours ago, Chembry said:

Now all Twins fans can now rejoice that Outman is no longer on the 40-man…on the other hand he will likely go unclaimed and remain in the organization since he can’t reject an outright assignment, so we may see him again in the future.

I have no idea what some on here will post about now with Outman gone.

having said that, and I may be proven wrong, but I'm really excited about Royce.  Go get em young fella.