Royce Lewis faces another injury setback ahead of season opener

In the United States on March 16, 2025, Royce Lewis, a promising third baseman for the Minnesota Twins, left a Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox due to a left hamstring injury. The incident occurred in the second inning when Lewis was running to first base after hitting a ground ball. Midway to first, he clutched his leg and hobbled the rest of the way before walking off the field with assistance from the team's manager Rocco Baldelli and head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta. This development is part of an ongoing challenge for the 25-year-old player, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Lewis was drafted by the Twins with the first overall pick in the 2017 amateur draft but has missed significant playing time due to multiple injuries, including two torn ACLs in 2021 and 2022. He has appeared in only 152 games across three seasons, a stark contrast to his potential as an athlete. In the previous season, he had shown some improvement, playing 82 games but recording a disappointing performance in the latter half of the season after returning from a right adductor strain, hitting just .207 with six homers. The injury occurred just 11 days before the Twins' season opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, further complicating the team's roster decision-making. Candidates such as Jose Miranda, Willi Castro, and Brooks Lee are being considered to fill in at third base during Lewis's absence. In 2023, he bounced back from surgery but continued to be plagued by injuries, illustrating the volatility of his career trajectory. In addition to Lewis, the Twins also face challenges with other players, such as their prospect Matt Canterino, who will miss a third consecutive season due to ongoing health issues. Canterino recently underwent shoulder surgery, further highlighting the health concerns affecting the Twins' roster as they approach the new season. With the team hopeful for success this season, Lewis’s recurring injuries add uncertainty to their plans, as they look to get off to a strong start against St. Louis.