The Minnesota Twins encountered a rocky beginning on Opening Day, despite securing a 4-1 victory against the Royals. However, this victory came at a cost, as Royce Lewis sustained a quad injury.
Lewis hit a home run in his initial at-bat but was forced to leave the game after injuring himself while rounding second base on an RBI double by Carlos Correa.\
Initially, the nature of Lewis’s injury was uncertain, but the Twins later confirmed it to be a quad injury, necessitating further evaluation. While awaiting MRI results, it appears likely that Lewis will miss at least some time at the beginning of the season.
The extent of his absence remains unclear, but the Twins must be prepared to proceed without Lewis. Even if he avoids the injured list, Minnesota would be wise to rest Lewis for at least a week and reassess his condition upon the team’s return to Target Field for the home opener on April 4th.
Should Lewis be sidelined for an extended period, the Twins have several intriguing options to replace him, which could have lasting effects on the roster.
Could this be an opportunity for Jose Miranda to bounce back?
Last season was challenging for Jose Miranda, following an exceptional rookie campaign. He struggled significantly, leading to speculation about his future with the Twins. However, Miranda’s impressive performance in spring training suggests he could still contribute to the major league roster.
During spring training, Miranda recorded a batting line of .320/.393/.360 with a .753 OPS, reminiscent of his 2022 performance when he hit .335 with 37 RBIs in just 50 games between early May and late July.
Given his spring performance, Miranda appears to be closer to his previous form than the struggles of last season. If Lewis is sidelined, Miranda could be a prime candidate for promotion, providing him with a chance to showcase his abilities and potentially become a regular in the Twins’ lineup. While there is a risk of regression, the Twins would benefit from giving Miranda a chance to prove himself.
Call up Austin Martin
At the onset of spring training, Austin Martin seemed poised to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, the Twins’ acquisition of Manuel Margot altered those plans. Nevertheless, Martin remains a strong contender for a call-up in the event of an injury.
While Martin isn’t a third baseman like Lewis, he could slot in at second base, potentially forming a platoon with Edouard Julien. This could also open up opportunities at first base, with multiple options available to Twins manager Rocco Baldelli.
Additionally, the Twins could opt for a platoon of Kyle Farmer and Willi Castro at third base if Lewis remains on the roster. While these moves would require Lewis to hit the injured list, they offer intriguing options for the Twins to navigate through a period without him.
Overall, despite the challenging situation, the Twins have compelling alternatives that could help them manage without Lewis for a few weeks.
