Twins Recall Royce Lewis After Dominant Triple-A Performance, Designate James Outman for Assignment

The Minnesota Twins are giving Royce Lewis another opportunity to revive his major league career.

After a remarkable stretch with Triple-A St. Paul, the former No. 1 overall pick has officially been recalled to the big league roster. In a corresponding move, the Twins designated outfielder James Outman for assignment, creating additional roster flexibility as the club continues its push through the 2026 season.

For Lewis, the promotion represents more than just a return to Minneapolis—it could mark a turning point in a career that has been filled with both enormous promise and frustrating setbacks.

Royce Lewis Forced His Way Back to the Major Leagues

When the Twins optioned Lewis to Triple-A on May 19, the move was difficult but understandable.

The 27-year-old infielder had struggled badly during his time with Minnesota this season, posting a disappointing .163 batting average with a .261 on-base percentage and a .279 slugging percentage across 119 plate appearances. His offensive struggles were accompanied by declining defensive metrics at third base, where he recorded minus-two Outs Above Average and minus-one Defensive Runs Saved.

Instead of allowing the demotion to derail his confidence, Lewis responded exactly the way the organization hoped.

He dominated Triple-A pitching.

Over just 13 games with the St. Paul Saints, Lewis produced an eye-popping .340/.417/.868 slash line while launching eight home runs, adding four doubles and driving in 19 runs in only 53 plate appearances.

His 214 wRC+ demonstrated complete offensive superiority.

Simply put, Lewis proved there was little left for him to accomplish in Triple-A.

Twins Move On From James Outman

To make room for Lewis, Minnesota designated outfielder James Outman for release or assignment.

Outman struggled throughout his brief tenure with the Twins, producing a .156/.229/.250 slash line over 70 plate appearances. His 34 wRC+ and negative WAR reflected the difficulties he experienced at the plate.

The move also leaves Minnesota with an open spot on the 40-man roster, providing the front office with additional flexibility moving forward.

Can Royce Lewis Rediscover His Former Star Potential?

Few players in baseball possess a more complicated story than Royce Lewis.

Injuries have repeatedly interrupted his development, preventing him from establishing long-term consistency at the major league level. Despite flashes of brilliance throughout his career, Lewis has yet to fully deliver on the superstar expectations that followed him after being selected first overall in the 2017 MLB Draft.

However, his Triple-A performance offered encouraging signs.

The power returned.

His confidence returned.

And perhaps most importantly, his joy for the game appeared to return as well.

While fans should avoid expecting immediate domination against major league pitching, Lewis deserves significant credit for embracing the demotion and using it as motivation rather than frustration.

The Twins are hoping the reset accomplished exactly what it was intended to do.

Position Change Could Help Lewis Stay in the Lineup

One major difference surrounding Lewis’ return is where he will play defensively.

Brooks Lee has emerged as Minnesota’s everyday third baseman, making it unlikely that Lewis will reclaim his former position.

Instead, the Twins have spent recent weeks experimenting with Lewis on the right side of the infield.

During his time with Triple-A St. Paul, Lewis played second base before transitioning to first base in his final two games with the Saints.

That development strongly suggests first base could become his primary position moving forward.

The move would provide Minnesota with another athletic option while helping maximize Lewis’ offensive value.

Kody Clemens’ Emergence Creates Interesting Decisions

The first-base picture has become more complicated because of Kody Clemens’ recent success.

Since May 10, Clemens has been one of the Twins’ hottest hitters, posting a .297/.326/.593 slash line while collecting five home runs, eight doubles and two triples.

Fortunately for Minnesota, Clemens’ versatility offers additional options.

He can play first base, second base and both corner outfield positions, allowing manager Rocco Baldelli to move pieces around depending on matchups.

That flexibility should help create opportunities for Lewis without completely removing Clemens from the lineup.

Playing Time Battle Intensifies

Lewis’ return could have ripple effects throughout the roster.

Veteran first baseman and designated hitter Josh Bell has shown signs of improvement recently, collecting 10 hits in his last 31 at-bats, but his overall season numbers remain underwhelming with a .228/.289/.348 slash line and a 78 wRC+.

Meanwhile, outfielder Austin Martin has struggled significantly since mid-May, batting just .129 with limited offensive production.

As a result, both players could see reduced playing time as the Twins attempt to maximize their lineup.

Twins Hoping This Is a Fresh Start

Minnesota never stopped believing in Royce Lewis.

Even after his difficult first two months of the season, the organization remained convinced that his talent and athleticism could eventually resurface.

His dominant performance at Triple-A provided the evidence they needed.

Now comes the most important challenge.

Can Royce Lewis translate that success back to the major leagues?

The answer could have a significant impact on the Twins’ postseason hopes.

One thing is certain: Lewis has already proven he is too talented for Triple-A.

The next step is proving he still belongs among baseball’s impact players at the highest level.