{"id":595210,"date":"2026-02-27T01:45:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T01:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/595210\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T01:45:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T01:45:23","slug":"royce-lewis-scratched-with-right-side-tightness-minnesota-twins-talk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/595210\/","title":{"rendered":"Royce Lewis Scratched with Right Side Tightness – Minnesota Twins Talk"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tThe Minnesota Twins made a small but notable adjustment to their spring training lineup on Thursday when Royce Lewis<\/a> was scratched before first pitch. In late February, even minor changes draw attention.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tAccording to Dan Hayes of The Athletic<\/a>, Lewis was removed from the lineup after experiencing tightness on his right side while running the bases during pregame work. The Twins\u2019 media relations department labeled the move as being made out of an abundance of caution.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tFor an organization that has spent the winter publicly elevating Lewis, there was little incentive to push him through discomfort in a Grapefruit League game. The new regime has been intentional about its messaging, and protecting one of its most talented players in February aligns with that philosophy.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tSince being hired, manager Derek Shelton<\/a> has made it clear that Lewis is central to the Twins\u2019 vision. Lewis was reportedly one of the first players Shelton sought out after taking the job. In radio interviews at the GM Meetings and Winter Meetings, Shelton did not shy away from calling Lewis a \u201csuperstar.\u201d That is not language this organization has historically thrown around lightly.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tLewis spent the offseason working with an outside hitting coach recommended by Bobby Witt Jr.<\/a>, another young star who has navigated early expectations with poise. The emphasis this winter has been on simplifying Lewis\u2019s offensive operation.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tObservers this spring have noted fewer moving parts and a calmer pre-swing setup. The mechanical work has focused on getting Lewis into the best possible position before the swing even begins. The idea is repeatability. If Lewis can consistently win the pre-swing phase, the athleticism and bat speed take care of the rest.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tEarly returns have been encouraging. His posture looks quieter. The leg kick appears more controlled. There is less wasted motion and more direct intent. That makes Thursday\u2019s scratch feel more like a pause than a setback.\n<\/p>\n

\n\t\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tStill, the Twins are well aware of Lewis\u2019 history and the importance of availability. Even minor tightness becomes headline material when attached to a player who has battled lower-body injuries in previous seasons. Spring training is about preparation, not proof of toughness.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tBehind Lewis, the depth chart at third base is serviceable but uninspiring. Ryan Kreidler<\/a> offers defensive versatility and contact skills. Gio Urshela<\/a> brings veteran steadiness and familiarity. Tanner Schobel<\/a> represents more of a developmental option than an immediate solution. None of them carries Lewis\u2019 upside or middle-of-the-order presence. That reality underscores why caution is the correct play.\n<\/p>\n

\n\tFor now, the Twins appear to be choosing patience over panic. And if Lewis is indeed the superstar Shelton believes him to be, a quiet afternoon in February will be long forgotten by the time the games start to matter.\n<\/p>\n

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