Twins put rookie standout Royce Lewis on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain as playoffs approach

Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis (23) walks to the dugout after...

Minnesota Twins’ Royce Lewis (23) walks to the dugout after being injured throughout his at-bat within the eighth inning of the workforce’s baseball recreation towards the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. Credit score: AP/Jeff Dean

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins positioned third baseman Royce Lewis on the 10-day injured checklist on Friday with a strained left hamstring, hoping the standout rookie can heal in time to return for the beginning of the playoffs.

“We have now to deal with it like we might deal with every other muscle harm proper now. If he might play, he could be lively and enjoying. He isn’t able to that proper now in the mean time. I believe we’ll in all probability be making these selections when the time comes,” supervisor Rocco Baldelli mentioned.

The Twins introduced the transfer, retroactive to Thursday, earlier than beginning a three-game collection at dwelling towards the Los Angeles Angels. Lewis mentioned he has a Grade 1 pressure, the mildest type of the harm. Baldelli referred to as it a “Grade 1-plus.” Lewis was pulled out of the sport on Tuesday throughout his eighth inning at-bat after experiencing ache within the muscle. He mentioned Friday the harm felt about the identical because it initially did, not higher however not worse.

“It is nonetheless just a bit bit tight, so we’re making an attempt to work as exhausting as we will to get again as quick as we will clearly to make a push for the playoffs,” Lewis mentioned.

The primary total decide within the 2017 draft is batting .309 in 217 at-bats with 15 dwelling runs, 52 RBIs and a .921 OPS. Lewis made his season debut on Could 28 after recovering from a torn proper ACL that occurred on the identical date in 2022. He missed 36 video games earlier this 12 months with a strained left indirect muscle.

The Twins recalled outfielder Jordan Luplow, who can even play first base, to switch Lewis on the 28-man roster for the rest of the common season. The AL Central-leading Twins are additionally relying on the return of shortstop Carlos Correa for the playoffs. He was positioned on the 10-day injured checklist on Wednesday with plantar fasciitis in his left foot.