CLEVELAND – Royce Lewis' recovery from a torn right knee ligament will reach a major milestone this week.
Twins' Royce Lewis will begin rehab assignment this week
The former No. 1 overall pick appears ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn knee ligament.
May 8, 2023 at 11:48AM
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, who suffered the injury last May 29 and underwent surgery a few days later, is ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment, the Twins announced Sunday. Lewis, who has been working out at the Twins' spring headquarters in Fort Myers, Fla., will report to Class AA Wichita sometime this week, probably Thursday.
Coincidentally, the Wind Surge will be in Frisco, Texas, a short drive from Lewis' offseason home.
Lewis, whose injury occurred three innings into his first major league appearance as a center fielder, will play third base and shortstop during his rehab, which will also likely include several games with Class AAA St. Paul.
The assignment is an indication that Lewis — who also missed the entire 2021 season because of a similar tear in his knee — is ahead of schedule in his recovery. The Twins cautioned during spring training that the 23-year-old would probably not be ready to play again until midseason. In fact, he was placed on the 60-day injured list during training camp, a designation that would prevent his return to the major leagues until late May.
Lewis batted .300 with a .975 OPS during his 12 games with the Twins last April and May.
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