MLB is Frequently Testing Royce Lewis for Steroids

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Royce Lewis, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins started their weekend series vs the Chicago White Sox out right on Friday with a 10-2 victory that was followed by a drone show that got rave reviews from those in attendance at Target Field.

Royce Lewis, playing in his fourth game back from injury, homered and doubled. On the day, he accounted for six of the Twins ten runs. Just another night at the office for the 25-year-old, who boosted his 2024 OPS to 1.036 and OPS+ to 182.

MLB testing Royce Lewis for steroids a lot recently

But Major League Baseball still has its doubts about Lewis, apparently. After his explosive performance last night, he was late to his postgame press conference with gathered media. Why?

Another steroid test, which have become a regular occurence, according to Royce, who told reporters that all those tests will find flowing through his veins is ice cream.

Lewis was a few minutes late for a postgame media session, explaining that MLB has pulled him aside for frequent drug tests recently. It was suggested that it could be because he refuses to stop hitting homers, including seven in 11 home games this season.

“All they’re going to find in these veins is ice cream,” Lewis said, tapping the inside of his elbow.

The Athletic

In 101 career MLB games, Royce Lewis is batting .301 with a .950 OPS and 159 OPS+. He’s reached his current 29 homer mark faster than any Twin in history. He’s shown some of the greatest power of any young Major League hitter… ever.

Lewis has never tested positive for steroids, but apparently, the MLB remains unconvinced of his power surge over the last handful of years. Clearly, the more he hits, the more he gets tested, not that it bothers him.

Minnesota Twins brought out the power in Lewis

When the Minnesota Twins drafted Royce Lewis with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, he was seen as an uber athletic middle defender who played both CF and SS in high school. Back then, it was his raw talent and blazing speed that made the 18-year-old kid from JSerra Catholic in California so intriguing to Derek Falvey & Co.

The power Lewis did show off, back then, was raw. His hitting approach was considered unique. As a Senior, Royce hit .377 with 25 stolen bases, 32 runs scored and only four homers. He liked to slap the ball around every ballpark he played in, and show off his freak-of-nature athleticism and speed.

Related: Minnesota Twins Could Still Add Payroll in August

But seven years later, after dealing with multiple knee surgeries and other injuries during his professional come up, Royce Lewis has blossomed beautifully into his 6’2″ frame and perfected his approach/swing at the plate. Now, he’s one of the best young sluggers in baseball (when healthy).

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