### Royce Lewis Returns to the Minnesota Twins: A Hopeful Comeback Amid Injury Struggles - Royce Lewis, the Minnesota Twins' third baseman, has made his return to the lineup after a significant absence due to a hamstring strain. This marks his second stint on the injured list this season, having previously missed the first 35 games with a similar injury. Lewis is looking to maintain his momentum as he has recently extended his hitting streak to five games, showcasing his potential to contribute positively to the team moving forward [https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-royce-lewis-returns-from-injury-miami-marlins-mlb-carlos-gomez/601385006]. ### Breakdown of Royce Lewis's Injury and Return 1. **Injury History**: - Lewis has faced multiple injuries throughout his career, including two torn anterior cruciate ligaments. His current hamstring strain led to a 15-game absence from the roster [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/twins_reinstate_3b_royce_lewis_from_injured_list/s1_17044_42401513]. 2. **Performance Metrics**: - In his 30 games this season, Lewis has a batting average of .202, with two home runs and nine RBIs. However, his performance improved significantly in June, where he batted .367 with one home run and six RBIs over ten games [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/twins_reinstate_3b_royce_lewis_from_injured_list/s1_17044_42401513]. 3. **Rehabilitation Process**: - Lewis underwent a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, where he struggled, finishing 0-for-8 with one walk and two strikeouts. Despite this, the Twins decided to reinstate him, indicating confidence in his ability to contribute at the major league level [https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/pro/twins-welcome-royce-lewis-back-from-injured-list]. 4. **Team Context**: - The Twins are currently facing challenges, having lost 14 of their last 19 games, while the Miami Marlins are on a seven-game winning streak. Lewis's return comes at a crucial time as the team looks to turn their fortunes around [https://www.startribune.com/twins-marlins-series-preview-pitching-probables-injury-report-radio-tv-information/601384391]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Lewis's Season Stats**: - **Total Games**: 30 - **Batting Average**: .202 - **Home Runs**: 2 - **RBIs**: 9 - **June Performance**: .367 average in 10 games, 1 home run, 6 RBIs [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/twins_reinstate_3b_royce_lewis_from_injured_list/s1_17044_42401513]. - **Injury Timeline**: - **Initial Injury**: Missed first 35 games of the season. - **Recent Absence**: 15 games due to hamstring strain. - **Rehab Performance**: 0-for-8 in Triple-A [https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/pro/twins-welcome-royce-lewis-back-from-injured-list]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Royce Lewis and the Twins - **Key Takeaways**: 1. **Lewis's Return**: His comeback is pivotal for the Twins as they seek to improve their performance amidst a challenging season. 2. **Injury Management**: The Twins must carefully manage Lewis's health to prevent further injuries, given his history. 3. **Team Dynamics**: Lewis's recent hitting streak could provide a much-needed boost to a struggling lineup. - **Next Steps**: The Twins will rely on Lewis's contributions as they face the Miami Marlins in a crucial series, hoping to leverage his talent to shift their current trajectory [https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-royce-lewis-returns-from-injury-miami-marlins-mlb-carlos-gomez/601385006].