Twins manager Derek Shelton has made a decision after an injury to Royce Lewis.
The Minnesota Twins are once again forced to adjust after losing Royce Lewis to another injury this week, a pattern that has become far too familiar for the organization.
Lewis was placed on the 10-day injured list this past Saturday with a Grade 1 left knee sprain, marking his ninth IL stint in the past four years. It is a brutal development for a player who entered 2026 needing a full, healthy season to prove he is part of the Twins’ long-term core.
With Lewis sidelined, the Twins had to determine how to cover third base moving forward and manager Derek Shelton did just that before a game against the Boston Red Sox.
“Derek Shelton indicated that Tristan Gray and Ryan Kreidler will form a loose platoon at third base in Royce Lewis’ absence. Gray, a left-handed hitter, figures to start vs. most righties. Kreidler, a right-handed hitter, figures to start vs. most lefties,” reported Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic.
The decision reflects both necessity and opportunity. Gray has been one of Minnesota’s hottest hitters, which is why Shelton is keeping the platoon flexible.
Through eight games, Gray is hitting .273 with a .346 on-base percentage, .937 OPS, two home runs and 11 RBIs. His early production has earned him consideration for more at-bats even outside traditional platoon matchups. He is a huge reason why Minnesota owns a 10-7 record thus far.
Kreidler, meanwhile, is off to a much slower start with just one hit in his first eight at-bats, but the sample size is small. His defensive versatility also matters. Kreidler can play shortstop and center field, giving the Twins additional coverage while multiple players remain injured.
Still, the focus inevitably returns to Lewis. Before going down, he was off to a strong start with a .222 average, .378 on-base percentage, .822 OPS, two home runs and eight RBIs through 12 games.
The former first overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft entered this season with enormous pressure to stay healthy and finally establish himself as a foundational piece. Instead, he has hit another momentum-killing snag.
The Twins need Lewis back as soon as possible, but they also need Gray and Kreidler to hold the position together in the meantime. Minnesota believes it can remain competitive in the American League Central, but that becomes far more difficult without Lewis anchoring the infield. The hope is that this latest setback is brief and Lewis can return sometime in May.