Is Royce Lewis Injured or Healthy? Fantasy Baseball Injury Update

Royce Lewis is rehabbing his way back from multiple ACL tears in his right knee that he suffered in 2021 and again in 2022. This was a brutal blow to the 2017 first-overall draft pick’s player development. The win-now Twins will look for help in the second half of the season as they make a playoff push. 

Lewis showed exciting upside in the minors and in limited major league plate appearances last year before being shut down. Lewis hit .300 with two home runs and five RBI in 12 games last year. He also showed his versatility by starting at shortstop and in center field. 

How serious is Lewis’ knee injury? Let's take a look at the latest reports and find an answer.

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Royce Lewis Injury Update

Lewis is scheduled to start his rehab assignment at Double-A Wichita this Thursday. Assuming he has no setbacks, Lewis will progress to Triple-A St. Paul before making his return to the Twins' active roster. 

Lewis will focus on playing shortstop and third base as he did in the spring playing in the Florida Complex League. The first-place Twins have some holes to fill with Byron Buxton being limited to designated hitter so far and Jose Miranda being sent down to Triple-A this week. Lewis, a player with a high prospect pedigree, could fill a utility role for the team once he gets up to speed. 

Royce Lewis Fantasy Baseball Outlook

The 23-year-old top pick is looking to make his return around the All-Star Break in early July if his rehab games go as planned. The team will likely play it safe as this is the second tear to the same knee but it has almost been a full year since he suffered the injury. 

Lewis impressed at Triple-A last season and will look to do the same this year when he gets the chance. He hit .313 with five home runs, 14 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 34 games. While at the major league level, Lewis flashed his raw power upside with a max exit velocity of 114 mph off the bat, ranking in the 94th percentile, per Statcast. 

Lewis is eligible at shortstop and has the opportunity to pick up eligibility at OF or 3B later on in the season. The prospect's fantasy baseball outlook applies to deeper leagues of 15 teams or more. Look to stash him now before he’s activated if you have an extra IL slot to play with.  

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