4 October 2023
The number on his jersey, 23, is often synonymous with sports greatness. Perhaps it’s fitting because Royce Lewis looks as if he’s on track to become the next Twins superstar.
He has the makeup. He has the charisma. He has the talent. And if his rookie season has shown anything, he shines brightest when the spotlight is on.
Lewis, whose inclusion on the postseason roster was in question because of a hamstring strain suffered in September, showed just how valuable he is to the team on Tuesday, clubbing two home runs in the Twins’ 3-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Though they’ve had a front seat to the Royce Lewis Show this season, the rookie is continuously impressing his teammates and those around him.
“He was born for this, I think,” infielder Jorge Polanco said. “He’s very special to see in those moments. He doesn’t shy away from those moments. He loves it, and we love to see him in those moments.”
It’s gotten to the point that whenever Lewis steps to the plate, his teammates are almost expecting something special to happen.
Case in point, out in the bullpen, the relievers throw their caps to predict home runs. Bullpen catcher Connor Olson tossed his in the first inning when Lewis stepped up to the plate with a runner on. Lewis responded by blasting a Kevin Gausman fastball out to left field to give the Twins the lead. When he came up to lead off the third inning, reliever Kody Funderburk made the call. Lewis, again, delivered.
“He might become an everyday just throw your hat,” reliever Griffin Jax said.
No matter that he hasn’t played in a major league game since Sept. 19 or that he’s not fully healthy, limited right now to just hitting.
Lewis said he tapped into some advice from Byron Buxton, who spent most of this season serving as the team’s designated hitter, about staying warm in between at-bats and keeping himself ready. And when the moments came, he sure was.
By the time the rookie came to the plate for his third at-bat, the raucous Target Field crowd was on its feet, giving him a standing ovation.
“He’s on another level of his own,” Buxton said.
While it wasn’t made official until Tuesday morning, manager Rocco Baldelli said he felt fairly confident when he left the ballpark on Monday night that Lewis would be able to DH in the series based on his conversation with head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta.
He may not be able to play third base in this series, but that hardly matters — he’s making his impact felt with his bat.
And his teammates, well, they’re enjoying the show.
Exhibit A:
“(I’m) amazed by the things Royce does,” starter Pablo López said.
Exhibit B:
“Kid’s special. There’s no other way to put it,” Ryan Jeffers said.
Exhibit C:
“He’s truly a special talent, the type of talent that can carry you to win a lot of ballgames when the postseason comes,” Carlos Correa said.
Just like he did on Tuesday.
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