Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis was held out of the club’s exhibition game on Thursday after experiencing tightness in his right side. The decision to scratch him from the lineup was described as precautionary, with the organization opting to be conservative with one of its key young players during spring preparations. The issue was identified before first pitch, and Lewis did not appear in the game.
No additional details were provided on the exact nature or severity of the tightness, and the team did not immediately announce any changes to his training schedule or availability for upcoming exhibition contests. The move reflects a common spring approach across Major League Baseball, where teams often prioritize long-term health over short-term appearances, especially in games that do not count in the regular-season standings.
Lewis, a central figure in Minnesota’s infield plans, has been working to build on previous major league experience and solidify his everyday role at third base. With the regular season still weeks away, the Twins appear intent on preventing a minor physical issue from becoming something more concerning. By removing him from the lineup before the game, the club ensured that he would avoid any additional strain that could come from game-speed swings or defensive plays on the left side of the infield.
Spring exhibitions are routinely used for evaluation, conditioning, and timing, but they also serve as a period for medical and training staffs to closely monitor players. When any sign of discomfort arises, especially in core or side areas that are heavily involved in hitting and throwing, teams often respond quickly to limit risk. That approach seems to have guided the Twins’ handling of Lewis in this instance.
The club did not outline a specific timetable for his next appearance or indicate that further testing would be necessary. For now, the move stands as a cautionary step early in the preparation period, with the Twins focused on ensuring that Lewis is fully healthy for the more demanding stretch of games to come once the regular season begins.
