The Minnesota Twins opened their 2026 Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday with a 7-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox. However, third baseman Royce Lewis delivered an encouraging performance, launching a solo home run off left-hander Payton Tolle in his first at-bat. In his second and final plate appearance, Lewis drove in Luke Keaschall—who had tripled earlier—on a sharply hit ground-ball single to left field against righty Seth Martinez.
Lewis’ Performance Brings Hope Amid Injury Setbacks for Twins
Lewis’ strong showing provided a boost for the Twins following unsettling injury news. Pitcher Pablo López is set to miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, while Joe Ryan was forced to sit out Saturday’s game due to right-side lower back tightness, with the severity still unknown.
Lewis had built a promising reputation in 2023, posting a .309/.372/.548 slash line with 15 home runs, seven doubles, and 52 RBIs over 58 games, in addition to contributing four postseason homers and five RBIs as Minnesota advanced in the playoffs for the first time in 21 years. Yet, his production has declined sharply over the past two seasons.
Injuries limited Lewis to 82 games in 2024 and 106 in 2025, and he struggled offensively even when healthy, batting only .233/.295/.452 in 2024 and dropping further to .237/.283/.388 last year.
Potential Return to Form Could Elevate Twins’ Playoff Aspirations
While it’s too early to read too much into spring training results, Lewis’ impressive start to the 2026 Grapefruit League schedule raises optimism for a rebound season. When performing at his peak, Lewis exhibits MVP-caliber talent that could be crucial for the Twins. A lineup featuring Lewis along with Byron Buxton, Luke Keaschall, and others at full strength could help Minnesota contend for a postseason berth despite López’s absence.
During the offseason, Twins manager Derek Shelton visited Lewis in Dallas to boost his confidence, and Lewis showed renewed assurance on the field on Saturday. Maintaining this momentum and staying healthy will be vital for Lewis and the Twins as they look to build on recent successes.
“Royce Lewis smacks this ball PAST THE BERM! ð´ pic.twitter.com/PsZFqOopNA”
?MLB
Royce Lewis smacks this ball PAST THE BERM! 🌴 pic.twitter.com/PsZFqOopNA
— MLB (@MLB) February 21, 2026
