The Minnesota Twins may receive a key reinforcement Tuesday night as they begin a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. Multiple reports indicate that infielders Royce Lewis and Willi Castro are likely to be activated from the injured list and could return to the lineup for the series opener.
Minnesota heads into the week with momentum, having won eight of its last 13 games and closing the gap to within five games of the .500 mark. The return of Royce Lewis and Willi Castro could give a much-needed boost to a lineup that has struggled with power and consistency.
“Hopefully getting some players back this week will be a huge lift for us,” Twins president Derek Falvey said Saturday. “We could really benefit from having a few guys that have had real impact here at the big-league level coming back to this team.”
Royce Lewis is among those reinforcements, as he hasn’t played for the Twins this season due to a hamstring strain suffered in spring training. He recently wrapped up a six-game rehab stint with Triple-A St. Paul, where he struggled at the plate with a .174/.167/.217 slash line but played nine innings at third base in his most recent outing on Sunday.
Twins will look to get a boost to the lineup with the return of Willi Castro and Royce Lewis
Though the Twins originally planned for Royce Lewis to play back-to-back games in the field during his rehab assignment, inclement weather on Saturday disrupted those plans. Still, all signs point to Lewis being ready for his long-awaited return. The former No. 1 overall pick has built a reputation for making immediate contributions, having homered in three separate returns from the injured list over the past two seasons.
Willi Castro, meanwhile, has been sidelined since April 16 with an oblique strain and has not participated in a rehab assignment, meaning he’s likely to return to action without any warm-up games after nearly three weeks off. Before the injury, the 2024 All-Star was batting .227 with one home run and six doubles over 18 games.
The Minnesota Twins could be getting a significant lift Tuesday night as they open a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. According to multiple reports, infielders Royce Lewis and Willi Castro are expected to be activated from the injured list and may rejoin the lineup for the series opener.
Minnesota enters the week having won eight of its last 13 games, climbing back to within five games of the .500 mark. The return of Lewis and Castro could provide a much-needed spark to an offense that has struggled with power and consistency, ranking near the bottom of the American League in home runs.
“Hopefully getting some players back this week will be a huge lift for us,” said Twins president Derek Falvey on Saturday. “We could really benefit from having a few guys that have had real impact here at the big-league level coming back to this team.”
Lewis, the former No. 1 overall pick, has not appeared in a game for the Twins this season after suffering a hamstring strain during spring training. He recently completed a six-game rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, where he slashed just .174/.167/.217 but played nine innings at third base in his final outing on Sunday. Though weather conditions prevented him from playing back-to-back games in the field, the Twins believe he’s ready. Lewis has become known for his immediate impact—homering in three separate returns from the injured list over the past two seasons. He slugged 16 homers in just 82 games in 2023 and is expected to slot into the heart of the order.
Castro, meanwhile, has been out since April 16 with an oblique strain and has not completed a rehab stint. As a result, he’ll likely return cold after nearly three weeks off. Prior to the injury, the 2024 All-Star was batting .227 with one home run and six doubles in 18 games. Despite the layoff, Castro’s defensive versatility remains a key asset—he played mostly second base this season but can contribute across both the infield and outfield.
The return of Lewis and Castro will present new lineup decisions for manager Rocco Baldelli. Lewis is expected to take over at third base but could also see time as a designated hitter. Castro’s flexibility may allow the team to rotate players through multiple positions. Their presence could impact the playing time of utility men like Edouard Julien and Mickey Gasper, both of whom have minor league options. Top prospect Brooks Lee might also see his role adjusted with Lewis reclaiming the hot corner.
Minnesota has a scheduled off day Monday before right-hander Pablo López takes the mound Tuesday against former Twins prospect Cade Povich. The matchup marks the start of a critical stretch as the team looks to reassert itself in the AL Central race.
“It’s been a grind early on,” Falvey said. “But getting Royce and Willi back—that could really change things for us.”
