The Minnesota Twins are currently leading the American League Central by 0.5 games over the Cleveland Guardians, with a record of 11–9 through 20 games, and the latest update on Royce Lewis significantly boosts their position. As his rehab assignment begins, Lewis’s return timeline is becoming clearer, bringing the team closer to stabilizing its situation at third base.

The Twins slugger took a major step forward Saturday, officially beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul as he works his way back from a left knee sprain.

The righty slugger suffered the injury during a game on April 9 vs. the Detroit Tigers and was placed on the injured list shortly afterward. Early evaluations described the sprain as mild, offering optimism about a relatively quick recovery.

Now, the rehab assignment provides a structured path back to the lineup. Lewis is serving as the designated hitter while gradually rebuilding strength and confidence in his knee.

The update gained traction after The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman shared the development on X, formerly Twitter, outlining Lewis’s role and progress with St. Paul.

“Royce Lewis (knee) has joined Triple-A St. Paul for a rehab assignment.

Lewis is starting at designated hitter and batting second for the Saints today.”

Royce Lewis (knee) has joined Triple-A St. Paul for a rehab assignment.

Lewis is starting at designated hitter and batting second for the Saints today.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) April 18, 2026

The current timeline points to a potentially quick return. If Lewis avoids setbacks, he could rejoin the MLB roster as soon as Tuesday for a series against the New York Mets.

Before the injury, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft was a productive presence in the lineup despite a limited sample size. Lewis posted an .822 OPS with two home runs and eight RBIs across 12 games, offering a glimpse of his offensive impact.

As the Twins look to build on their early success, Lewis’s return should provide a timely boost. His presence would strengthen both the lineup and infield defense, reinforcing Minnesota’s position atop the division.

The Minnesota Twins are currently leading the American League Central by 0. 5 games over the Cleveland Guardians, with a record of 11–9 through 20 games, and the latest update on Royce Lewis significantly boosts their position. As his rehab assignment begins, Lewis’s return timeline is becoming clearer, bringing the team closer to stabilizing its situation at third base.