3 biggest positive takeaways from Twins' opening series of the 2026 season

The Minnesota Twins took one of three games on the road in Baltimore to begin the 2026 season. So, it wasn't a total disaster to kick off a new campaign. We liked what we saw from Joe Ryan on Opening Day despite the loss, but we expected him to pitch well. That's what aces are for.

Beyond that, let's have a look at three more surprisingly positive takeaways from the Twins in the club's first three games of the year.

Royce Lewis erased any worry

The potential for injuries are always going to give Twins fans a bit of a panic when it comes to Royce Lewis. There's no blaming anyone for that, either. But this weekend, Lewis showed up Minnesota's new manager in a good way by tanking two home runs in the opening series. Not only did Lewis bat eighth on Opening Day against the Orioles, but he was taken out of the game, too.

He showed Derek Shelton that he always deserves to stay in the lineup after going deep on Saturday and Sunday.

2 role players provided value

What can expect from Trevor Larnach and Victor Caratini this season? Neither player saw full time in all three games this weekend, but they came up in spots when needed. Larnach, in five at-bats, has scored two runs and driven in one so far. Caratini has three hits across eight at-bats, including a walk.

For two guys who aren't expected to produce as much as others in the lineup, Twins fans have to be satisfied with what they did to begin the season.

Twins made right call with final roster spot

Many fans wanted to see Alan Roden, Emmanuel Rodriguez, or Orland Arcia grab the final spot on Minnesota's roster to begin the year, but the team ultimately went with Tristan Gray.

Though he sat the first two games, he was ready to compete on Sunday. Gray went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Having that type of player coming off the bench will be hige for Minnesota this season.