Royce Lewis Takes First Base Under Justin Morneau’s Guidance

On June 12, 2026, Twins infielder Royce Lewis started at first base in the series finale against the Detroit Tigers. The Twins fell 11-0; Lewis recorded two singles in four at-bats and later hit a 444-foot solo homer off Framber Valdez that gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead in the second inning. The game was his sixth first-base appearance since the team began the experiment last week.

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The Twins have been training infielders for positions to ease roster constraints. In the offseason Lewis covered third, shortstop and second base; first base was added when flexibility became essential. Justin Morneau gave a “crash course” and a refresher, with coach Luke Keaschall assisting. Lewis has logged six first-base games, using a team-issued glove that veteran Josh Bell helps break in during batting practice.

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Royce Lewis, a 27-year-old switch-hitting infielder, is noted for athleticism and adaptability. Justin Morneau, a four-time All-Star and 2006 AL MVP, mentors younger players. Josh Bell, a veteran first baseman, assists with glove preparation.

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In Detroit, Lewis fielded a grounder to pitcher Mike Paredes for an out, flipped another to reliever Taylor Rogers, and caught a foul popup off Matt Vierling. His 444-foot solo homer off Valdez provided the Twins’ only run before the offense stalled.

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Mastering first base gives the Twins a versatile defensive option, allowing the club to shift players without sacrificing infield depth. The added flexibility can free roster spots for pitching or bench depth, a priority as the season progresses.

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Morneau said his coaching blended drills and conversation, focusing on glove work, foot positioning and reading ball trajectories. He expressed confidence that Lewis’s athleticism will let him handle the “little intricacies” of first base, acknowledging that mistakes will be learning opportunities. Lewis reported feeling better prepared, noting Morneau’s walk-through of scenarios and the immediate relevance of the lessons during game action.

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• “It’s not to where it’s like I can’t do this,” — Royce Lewis, Minnesota Twins infielder

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• “He walked over every possible situation,” — Royce Lewis, Minnesota Twins infielder

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• “All of those things at once. He probably took 15 picks in the dirt. The rest of the time we’re just kinda talking.” — Justin Morneau, Twins Hall of Famer

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The Twins will monitor Lewis’s first-base work in the next series, emphasizing his reads on balls to the right, tappers and cutoff plays, while Morneau and Bell continue daily glove and positioning drills.

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