This topic has come across almost all of the threads on Twins Daily for the last week or so. There are about as many different perspectives as their are postings, but I thought I'd bring it together in one spot for debate. I posted a poll here and I'm asking members to predict the outcome, not state what should happen.
I think Lewis won't play in Houston, but might return in New York. In the meantime, someone will have an injury that will land them on the Injured List. If Lewis were coming off the IL today, the HBP that Kyle Farmer suffered might have cost him ten days plus a rehab assignment in St. Paul. Another scenario is to give someone like Chris Paddack a two-week break and have 14 position players, using Boushley, Varland or Festa for spot starts sending them down after their starts. It would take a lot of roster manipulation, but it could be done. There is an off day included in that time frame.
As much as I hate the move, I think the most likely option of a player is Alex Kirilloff, since optioning him would cause the least disruption. Miranda has earned a spot on the major league team and he can be the alternate/backup first baseman and Trevor Larnach has outperformed AK, hits from the same side and is at least as good of an outfielder.
Many of us would prefer a veteran is DFA'd. I don't think the Twins will do it, because the player is most likely permanently lost and will cost the club money, in the millions of dollars.