Royce Lewis leaves game after terrifying collision at first base (Video)

Royce Lewis left Sunday’s game with what initially appeared to be a serious neck injury following a collision at first base.

Lewis was attempting to beat out throw when he collided with Cleveland Guardians first baseman Gabriel Arias, causing him to flip into the air and land on his face and neck.

Be warned, the injury is extremely hard to watch. Lewis lands on his neck forcing his head to snap back while pinned against the ground. Thankfully his helmet seems to have saved him from suffering an even more serious injury.

Lewis remained on the ground for several minutes while Twins trainers rushed out to attend to him. Thankfully Lewis was able to walk off the field under his own power. It’s unclear what the extent of his injury is, but the fact that he was able to leave the field without help given how serious and terrifying the injury appeared to be is nothing short of miraculous.

It would be terrifying to watch this play regardless of who the player invovled is, but the fact that it’s Lewis makes it even worse. Twins fans are painfully familiar with his unfortunate injury history and it’s impossible to not out this injury in the context of his return.

Lewis returned to the Twins lineup last week exactly a year after he suffered a season-ending ACL injury. In his first game back, Lewis smashed a three-run home run and was instrumental in helping the Twins comeback to beat the Houston Astros.

That spark he’s provided has been a theme since re-joining the team, and it feels like he’s finally fulfilling the prophecy fans have been waiting for since he was drafted No. 1 overall back in 2017.

Twice Lewis has suffered injuries that have sidetracked his journey, and this happening after his triumphant return last week and in the middle of a celebratory victory lap of sorts is devestating. But Lewis walking off under his own power is encouraging and it seems that the worst-case was avoided.