Royce Lewis is taking on a multi-position opportunity for the Minnesota Twins, according to CR Today. The 24-year-old has started all five games since returning from Triple-A, playing three games at first base and two at second base. Meanwhile, Kyle Stowers is also making an impact at first base for the Baltimore Orioles.[2]
What happened
This week has seen numerous player debuts and lineup adjustments across Major League Baseball. Lewis’s versatility is significant for the Twins as he adapts to new roles. Stowers, on the other hand, has made four starts at first base recently, cutting into Connor Norby’s playing time.
“All eyes are on whether Shohei Ohtani is in Friday’s lineup after he exited Thursday with knee inflammation,” the report noted.
Various teams, including the Athletics and Orioles, have also faced lineup challenges, especially with injured players sidelined. For instance, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. remains unavailable, impacting the team’s offensive strategy. Players like Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo returned from injuries, adding some much-needed depth.
Why it matters
The ongoing player adjustments highlight the critical nature of depth management in teams’ lineups. As injuries continue to affect key players, teams must adapt quickly. This is especially important for franchises like the Twins who rely on players like Lewis to fill multiple positions effectively.[1]
Background
On May 20, 2026, Lewis was optioned to Triple-A after struggling with consistency. His return comes at a crucial time for the Twins as they strive for playoff contention. Similarly, Stowers’ emergence at first base coincides with changes in how the Orioles structure their batting order, particularly with the absence of certain roster members due to injuries.[3]
What’s next
Lewis is expected to continue contributing both at first and second base as the Twins aim to stabilize their lineup through the upcoming series. The Orioles will also look to assess Stowers’ performance at first base ahead of their next game on May 30, 2026.
