Kansas City, Missouri – Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins faced a setback after sustaining a severe right quadriceps strain during the season opener. Despite undergoing a leg-based program aimed at strengthening his tendons, Lewis now faces the prospect of missing an extended period of play. The injury marks the third major setback for Lewis since 2021, further prolonging his absence on the field. However, Lewis remains optimistic, focusing on the positive aspects of the injury and the fact that it is not expected to require surgery.
The Twins plan to rest Lewis for at least a month before reevaluating his condition, with team sources indicating that surgery is not on the table. This news comes as a blow to the Twins, who now have to navigate the season without one of their key players. Lewis, despite his limited experience on the field, has already made a significant impact at the plate, showcasing his talent and potential.
With Lewis sidelined, the Twins look to rookie Austin Martin to step up and fill the gap. Martin made his major-league debut as a pinch runner, bringing versatility and speed to the team. The absence of Lewis also opens up playing time for other players like Willi Castro and Kyle Farmer, who will need to step up in his absence.
In a turn of events, Christian Vázquez and Byron Buxton delivered clutch performances, helping the Twins secure a 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Vázquez’s go-ahead single and Buxton’s timely hits proved crucial in the team’s success. On the pitching front, Joe Ryan impressed in his regular-season debut, showcasing improved velocity and control on the mound.
Despite these bright spots, the Twins received unfortunate news regarding pitcher Anthony DeSclafani, who underwent season-ending elbow surgery. The team now turns to Triple-A starters to bolster their pitching depth in DeSclafani’s absence. As the season progresses, the Twins will need to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome the challenges ahead.