Royce Lewis Batting 3rd in Minnesota Twins Gm 1 Wildcard Lineup vs Blue Jays

By Eric Strack |

Updated: Oct 3, 2023

MLB: Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins — Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins will host the Toronto Blue Jays in a best-of-three American League Wildcard series that starts Tuesday. Optimism surrounding Royce Lewis’ status for game 1 was high, following a two-week stint on the injured list.

But on Monday afternoon, just 24 hours prior to first pitch at Target Field, Lewis quieted his positive outlook real quick, telling reporters that he still hasn’t run at 100% yet and that he wasn’t sure whether or not he’d be ready for the Twins’ first round series vs the Blue Jays.

Royce Lewis still sounded uncertain of his readiness for tomorrow. Said he still hasn’t run at 100%. Has improved bit by bit but still no breakthrough. He still needs to see how he feels today and tomorrow.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) October 2, 2023

Royce Lewis listed on official Minnesota Twins Wildcard roster

So it was a big relief on Tuesday morning, at 10 AM CT, when the Minnesota Twins’ wildcard roster was released and Royce Lewis’ name was on it. A couple of hours later, the Twins’ lineup for game 1 was released and, as expected, Lewis is batting 3rd as the Twins’ DH.

We Believe in these guys! Roster is set! pic.twitter.com/lteZFeXrBr
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) October 3, 2023

Game One lineup. Let’s do this. 🙌 #WeBelieveinTC pic.twitter.com/bfBp4VKREO
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) October 3, 2023

Royce Lewis has been the Minnesota Twins’ best, and by far their most clutch hitter, in the regular season. Every time he comes up to bat in a big moment, there’s a magic confidence that falls over you, as a Twins fan.

Even as a designated hitter, it was a huge deal to get Lewis back in the lineup. This season, with runners in scoring position (73 PA), Royce has a 1.237 OPS. With a runner on 3rd and 2 outs (17 PA), it moves up to 1.340.

Year	Age	G	PA	R	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	OPS RISP	Clutch OPS*
2023	24	58	239	36	15	52	20	55	.309	.372	.548	.921	150	1.237	1.340
Career		70	280	41	17	57	21	60	.307	.364	.549	.913	149
162 Games		162	648	95	39	132	49	139	.307	.364	.549	.913	149

*Runner on 3B w/2 outs — Baseball-Reference.com

Now, it appears unlikely that will happen… 1st round rosters are due into league offices by 10 AM on Tuesday morning. Teams can make changes to their playoff roster in between rounds.

Byron Buxton left off Wildcard roster

Byron Buxton’s status for the playoffs has been in question for months but his likely absence became more evident when he wasn’t at Target Field on Monday with the rest of his teammates taking fly balls and batting practice. on Monday. Tuesday’s roster release just made it official.

Royce looked fine taking grounders — definitely wasn’t full speed on a few of the more physically intense plays, but was able to bend and make throws. Buxton has not been out on the field today. https://t.co/Qs2KvGqwxl
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) October 2, 2023

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan