Selected with the first overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Minnesota Twins shortstop Royce Lewis has endured a frustrating career to this point, experiencing plenty of starts and stops along his longer-than-expected journey to the big leagues. Following lost seasons in 2020 (COVID) and 2021 (he tore his ACL in spring training), the former top prospect finally debuted in 2022, only to retear his ACL 12 games later.
After a grueling rehab, Lewis returned to the Twins’ lineup on May 29th, making an immediate impact by homering in two of his first three games. Unfortunately, his next setback was waiting for him just around the corner, taking a brutal spill following his collision with Cleveland Guardians first baseman Gabriel Arias Sunday at Target Field. Trying to beat out a grounder for an infield hit, Lewis couldn’t put on the brakes, flipping on his head as Arias gloved the final out of the eighth inning. Lewis was tended to by trainers, eventually walking off on his own power.
a truly frightening moment but thankfully royce lewis walked off the field under his own power pic.twitter.com/FRbXp5mHXV
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) June 4, 2023
Royce Lewis flipped over the first baseman and landed on his head/face pic.twitter.com/0KvTL3uxi1
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 4, 2023
Addressing the media after a 2-1 defeat in their series finale, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli insisted Lewis was merely “shaken up,” with no signs of anything that could be considered a long-term injury. Given how awkward his landing looked, it’s a miracle Lewis escaped his fall relatively unscathed, somehow avoiding a concussion. Royce Lewis will have Monday’s off day to recuperate, which happens to be his 24th birthday.