Twins Place Royce Lewis and Cody Laweryson on Injured List

The Minnesota Twins placed third baseman Royce Lewis and reliever Cody Laweryson on the injured list ahead of their next game at Rogers Centre. Manager Derek Shelton confirmed the moves, citing a left knee sprain for Lewis and a right forearm strain for Laweryson. Neither player has a projected return date at this time.

Lewis hurt his knee during Thursday’s win over Detroit. He limped after a swinging strike in his final at-bat but finished the game with an infield single. Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star-Tribune reports that Lewis underwent imaging later that night which confirmed the sprain. This is Lewis’ ninth trip to the injured list in his four-year MLB career. He has a history of leg injuries, including two ACL tears in his right knee and multiple hamstring strains.

Lewis entered the season with career highs in games played. He was hitting .222 through the first two weeks of the season with eight walks and four extra-base hits. The former first overall pick started 12 of Minnesota’s first 14 games at third base. Utilityman Tristan Gray has started the other two games and is expected to take over the hot corner for now. Gray has a .220/.279/.394 slash line in 53 career games.

Laweryson made his first Opening Day roster this season. The 27-year-old righty made five appearances for the Twins last season as a September call-up and has worked 6 1/3 innings this year with four runs allowed (three earned) and eight strikeouts. He has already picked up a save and a hold in a bullpen that remains in flux.

The Twins will announce their call-ups tomorrow. Ryan Kreidler and Eric Wagaman are on the 40-man roster and could be options. Zak Kent, who was recently optioned, is likely the top candidate for the bullpen spot if the Twins avoid designating someone for assignment.

Minnesota will look to bounce back in their next game. The Twins continue to navigate early-season roster challenges while building consistency in both the lineup and bullpen.