The Minnesota Twins expect star third baseman Lewis back in the lineup tonight for the start of their three-game series in Detroit against division rival the Tigers. Lewis is fresh from a rehab assignment with the Triple-A St. Paul Saints. Lewis has been out of action since he suffered a right abductor strain on July 2.
Infielder Jose Miranda will also rejoin the Twins. Miranda suffered a lower back strain and has been on the injured list since July 10. The team looks forward to the two young sluggers leading the way as Minnesota tries to overtake the Cleveland Guardians in the American League (AL) Central Division race.
Another Frustrating Season for Lewis
This season, regrettably, has been a repeat of past seasons for the mercurial young star. Lewis started the season with a bang when he hit a solo home run in his first at-bat. Unfortunately for him and the Twins, he suffered a quadriceps injury running the bases in that same game. That injury kept him out of the lineup until early June.
But fireworks were again when he returned to the team on June 4. In 23 games, he hit nine home runs and drove in 15. His slash line for that period was a stellar .337/.635/.972. For that bright, shining moment, Twins fans were once again reminded of the magic he brings to the game. Every at-bat saw the crowd rise to their feet in anticipation of what might happen next. But once again, all hopes were dashed when he sustained the abductor injury.
The Twins Hope for Better Days from Lewis
Lewis’s career travails have been well documented. He suffered two ACL tears, a serious hamstring injury last season, and, of course, the two 2024 setbacks. Not to mention missing the entire 2020 minor league season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But in between those injuries, he has been a playoff hero, produced two substantial home run streaks, and remains a fan favorite. Lewis has that swashbuckling style of ball players from a previous era. He plays aggressively, fast, and always with a big smile on his face like a kid that was playing the game for free. And how can you slow him down? As he remarked about his injuries, “Maybe I’m too electric for my own good.”
Miranda Hopes to Bolster the Twins
Jose Miranda has also finished his rehab assignment and is expected back in the lineup for Saturday’s game. He has been a wunderkind for the Twins this year. Written off at the start of the year, he was recalled to the team early in the season due to Lewis’ injury and Brooks Lee being unavailable as a result of a herniated disk. He has seized his opportunity and remains a potent bat in the middle of Minnesota’s batting order.
With Lewis and Miranda returning, Carlos Correa not too far behind them, and a hopefully healthy Byron Buxton, the Twins hope to make a stretch run similar to last season, which took them all the way to the AL Division Series.
Look Ahead
The Guardians will be difficult to overtake with their newfound hitting prowess, but if Minnesota can stay healthy, it should be a real race to the finish. Here’s to a healthy second half of the season and maybe some additional pitching help. Whatever happens in the next few months, it sure will be fun to watch.
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