Injuries force twins players Brooks Lee and Brock Stewart to start season on disabled list
- Brooks Lee is sidelined due to a herniated disk in his back, affecting his early season participation.
- Brock Stewart faces a setback from a left hamstring injury and shoulder surgery, limiting his availability.
- The Twins's injuries present significant challenges ahead of the 2024 season.
In Fort Myers, Florida, the Minnesota Twins have announced that infielder Brooks Lee and right-handed pitcher Brock Stewart will start the 2024 season on the injured list. This decision was made public by the team recently. Brooks Lee, selected as the eighth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, has been experiencing issues related to lower back tightness during spring training. After evaluations, he was found to have a herniated disk, which will sideline him for the first two months of the 2024 season. Lee made his debut for the Twins last summer after being promoted from Triple-A, where he played 50 games and hit .221, securing three home runs and 27 RBIs. Despite this, his progress has been hindered by persistent back problems that have kept him off the field during critical preparation time for the new season. Brock Stewart, on the other hand, is also facing challenges as he sustained a left hamstring injury during training. Compounding the issue, he underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder last August. This early season absence adds pressure on the Minnesota pitching staff, which must adapt without a key player. Additionally, the Twins will already be without third baseman Royce Lewis on opening day due to a strained left hamstring, signaling a rough start for the team’s lineup. The Minnesota Twins previously won the AL Central title in 2023 but faced a disappointing finish, placing fourth last season. This string of injuries is another hurdle as the team aims to recover and compete effectively in the upcoming season.