Things are finally looking up for the Twins. They won six out of their last seven games, and one key player is on the verge of returning from injury. On the flip side of the coin, there’s bad news regarding the statuses of two important position players.
Royce Lewis shining during rehab assignment, nearing return to the big leagues
According to MLB’s Matthew Leach, Lewis will play a full game as a designated hitter on Tuesday for Triple-A St. Paul and another at third base on Wednesday. Leach said Lewis will likely play back-to-back games before returning to the big leagues, which will probably take about a week. Since starting his rehab assignment, Lewis collected a double and two singles in seven plate appearances across two games for the Saints.
Matt Wallner, Luke Keaschall to miss significant time
Wallner, who landed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain on April 17, began to play catch on Saturday and jogged on Monday but still hasn’t swung a bat, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. Twins trainer Nick Paparesta said Wallner will be reevaluated when the team returns to Target Field next week.
Papresta said it will most likely be a couple of months before Keaschall, who suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right forearm against the Angels last Friday, will return to playing games. Keaschall won’t need surgery for now, and the Twins will wait at least a month to reassess their No. 3 prospect.
Willi Castro continuing baseball activities, could return to team soon
Castro, who suffered a right oblique strain on April 16, worked out on Monday and could return from the injured list when eligible Thursday, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. He’s been hitting from the right side and will swing from the left side Tuesday.
With Lewis and Castro set to return soon, a couple of position players will lose their roster spots. Given Kody Clemens' lack of playing time since joining the team, he’s likely the first to go, especially with Jonah Bride already having more hits as a Twin in 15 plate appearances than he did for the Miami Marlins this season in 45 plate appearances. Mickey Gasper is probably next in line to lose his roster spot. But of course, there’s always a chance another crucial injury could occur.