Full Breakdown
Royce Lewis’s Struggles Prompt Twins to Reassess
5/8/2026, 5:22:42 AM
Lewis Omitted from Lineup
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis was omitted from the lineup for a game on Thursday, a move manager Derek Shelton described as a break to address swing issues and mental reset. The decision follows Lewis’s return from injured list on April 21 and mirrors benching of outfielder Matt Wallner last week.
Performance Metrics
Since April 21, Lewis has posted a .122/.159/.195 slash line (OPS .581) in 89 plate appearances, striking out 15 times in 44 at-bats. He is under a $2.85 million contract for 2026. Contrast, Kaelen Culpepper, the No. 82 prospect per The Athletic, is hitting .276/.389/.793 with four homers and eight RBIs in his last seven Triple-A games.
Coaching and Management Response
Hitting coach Keith Beauregard reported that Lewis participated in batting practice and received swing feedback aimed at restoring “athletic” and “flowy” mechanics. Shelton said the two-day rest is intended to remove pressure, allowing Lewis to observe the game and regain confidence. The staff emphasizes keeping the player in mental frame.
Emerging Prospect Competition
Prospect Kaelen Culpepper, the Twins’ 21st-overall 2024 draft pick, was featured at the All-Star Futures Game and is excelling at shortstop. Organization wants him to improve defensive consistency before promotion, indicating his offensive surge alone will not guarantee an immediate third-base role.
Potential Replacement and Roster Implications
If the Twins send Lewis to Triple-A for an extended swing overhaul, veteran utility infielder Ryan Kreidler is the short-term third-base fill-in. Kreidler is not viewed as a long-term solution, suggesting a demotion would not close Lewis’s window but would intensify competition for playing time.
Criticism & Opposition
Lewis voiced anxiety that his struggles are viewed through a business lens, fearing teammates and front-office staff may be “waiting for me to struggle so that they can write me off officially.” He described shift from playing for love of the game to confronting realities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It can be really hard when you feel like your career is going in a different direction,” — Royce Lewis, Twins third baseman
- “You compound a game or two or three of at-bats that you’re not happy with, and your mind starts to go in dangerous places.” — Derek Shelton, Twins manager
- “His work every day has been really consistent,” — Keith Beauregard, Twins hitting coach
- “We do believe he can perform, and that’s why we’re giving him a couple days to work on things,” — Derek Shelton, Twins manager
What’s Next
The Twins will assess Lewis’s swing adjustments in practices before deciding on a roster move. A continued slump could lead to an option to Triple-A and a temporary promotion of Ryan Kreidler. Culpepper’s development will proceed at Triple-A, with the club balancing his offensive upside against defensive readiness. The decisions will shape Twins’ third-base strategy for remainder of the season.
