Royce Lewis made a highlight-reel catch in his center field debut for the Minnesota Twins but it came at a cost as he left the game with right knee soreness.
Lewis’s moment came in the top of the third inning on a fly ball off the bat of Emmanuel Rivera. After tracking the ball down like he had played center field his entire career, Lewis leaped and made the catch while crashing into the wall.
IT'S LIKE HE'S BEEN PLAYING CF HIS WHOLE CAREER! (Yes, he remained in the game)#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/nFmnBfAjw3
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) May 29, 2022
Royce Lewis paying homage to Byron Buxton by running into the wall making a catch in CF is not ideal pic.twitter.com/k2U1JfBRRs
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) May 29, 2022
We taught him so much in that one game he played here in CF.
— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) May 29, 2022
Lewis was down momentarily but stayed in the game through the end of the inning. When he returned to the dugout, he left with head trainer Michael Salazar to be examined and was replaced by Nick Gordon in the top of the fourth.
The Twins recalled Lewis on Sunday morning with the intent of using him in a utility role. In addition to his natural shortstop position, he played third base and outfield in his second tour with the St. Paul Saints and even mentioned his excitement to make plays at the wall prior to Sunday’s game.
Two hours ago, Royce Lewis was asked where he's most comfortable. He said third base but wants to play CF.
"Center field is comfy. For me, I'm more excited to make those plays at the wall, but it's a little more dangerous."#MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 29, 2022
The injury also brings concern as it comes in the same knee where Lewis tore his ACL last February.
After missing the entire 2021 season, Lewis was dominant with the Twins this season hitting .300 with two homers and 5 RBI.
