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New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Twins takeaways: Royce Lewis homers twice after meeting with Rocco Baldelli
DENVER — A few hours after he exited a one-on-one meeting with his manager, Royce Lewis looked an awful lot like Royce Lewis. Other than the third baseman noting that encouragement was offered, neither Lewis nor Twins manager Rocco Baldelli divulged any details about their Sunday morning chat. But once the game began, Lewis' bat did all the talking and the Twins were left smiling. Advertisement Lewis homered twice, both no-doubters, in support of a dominant Joe Ryan, and the Twins avoided a series sweep with a 7-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Not only did Lewis snap a five-plus-week homerless drought, he also had the first multi-homer regular-season game of his career. If he can find a way to sustain it, Sunday's output could be a critical moment for both the Twins and Lewis, who has looked like a budding star in the past, including when he belted two home runs in a playoff victory over Toronto in October 2023, and again early in the summer of 2024. 'Since spring training, he's been encouraging me to keep working hard,' Lewis said of Baldelli. 'He says, 'You're too talented and as long as you get yourself some consistent playing time and at-bats, good things will come.' Just keep encouraging me to have fun and keep working hard like I have been on both sides of the ball. That's just another example today. … What we say pregame is always kept between us, but it was definitely encouraging thoughts.' The meeting almost certainly surrounded comments Lewis made during a 15-minute media session prior to Saturday's game. The majority of commentary was focused on the player's dissatisfaction with his own performance and how when he recently reviewed video of his at-bats, Lewis couldn't recognize himself at the plate. But after he was pinch hit for in a key spot late Friday and out of the lineup on Saturday, Lewis also suggested that he was sitting because of a 0-for-3 performance, and how the team was more concerned with good results instead of a good process. 'I've become more results-oriented because of how we run things here,' Lewis said. '(They're) quick to pull the trigger on you. … I'm trying to do my best to get some balls to fall and when that doesn't happen, you're just like SOL.' Before Sunday's game, Twins bench coach Jayce Tingler sent Lewis to Baldelli's office, where they engaged in a lengthy chat. Though Lewis popped out in his first at-bat, he launched a 451-foot homer to dead center in the second, his first round-tripper since June 13. Royce gave that ball a ride!!! — Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 20, 2025 Two at-bats later, Lewis belted another solo shot, this one traveling 411 feet to left. Though it was only one game, the performance had to be encouraging for Baldelli and the Twins, who are beyond desperate to receive any semblance of above-average offensive output from Lewis and Carlos Correa, both of whom had subpar first-half showings. Advertisement For the Twins to have any chance to reach the postseason, one of Correa or Lewis — or both — needs to find consistency at the plate. Lewis entered Sunday with a 61 weighted Runs Created plus, which ranked 295th out of 311 players with at least 150 plate appearances. Correa, who went 1-for-3 with two walks, giving him five free passes in the series, carried a 97 wRC+ into Sunday's game, tied for 182nd. Following the game, Baldelli was clearly excited to see Lewis, who Saturday said 'That's not Royce — I want it to be Royce,' look more like himself. 'It was beautiful,' Baldelli said. 'He impacted the ball well. He stayed through the ball well. Watching the swings from the side and especially from the back side, which we don't always get a chance to see, he had his legs under him really good and he was whistling the bat. He hit those balls really well. … His swings were just great. He whacked it good, he felt good and I think you see the energy. He felt like himself in a lot of ways today. I don't think he could've looked much better.' Lewis reiterated Sunday that he doesn't care how he looks as long as he gets results. But the smile on his face told the story; Lewis looked relieved. He was in such a good mood, Lewis passed along jokes made by Christian Vázquez — who batted ninth with Lewis hitting eighth — and Tingler. Royce had his first multi homer game of the season and met up with Audra postgame! — (@twinstv) July 20, 2025 'Every time I hit in front of (Vázquez), I get good pitches to hit,' Lewis said. 'He's not wrong. … Jayce joked with me, 'I'm going to have to tell you to go see Rocco tomorrow, too.' We'll make it happen, I'm sure.' Here are several other Twins takeaways from a rough weekend in Denver, which ended on an encouraging note. Advertisement Making his first start since delivering a dominant inning in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, Ryan was outstanding in the series finale. The first-time All-Star oozed confidence as he dominated the Rockies. Working with a lively fastball, Ryan generated 18 swings and misses during an 88-pitch outing. He struck out 11 and allowed a run and five hits in seven innings before turning it over to the bullpen. Aside from a Mickey Moniak solo homer, Ryan was hardly touched in a park known for being overly generous to hitters. He worked quickly and efficiently, which allowed the Twins' offense to keep up the pressure. But more than anything he gained from the All-Star Game, Ryan said it was lessons learned from his prior Coors Field experience in 2023 that paid bigger dividends. Ryan went into his Sept. 29, 2023, outing needing nine strikeouts for 200. He finished three shy after an outing in which he surrendered six runs and eight hits in five innings. 'We had already clinched the playoffs,' Ryan said. 'In my meeting before the game, I said, 'I don't care if I give up 12 runs, let's get 10 punches and get over 200.' I gave up like (six) runs and only got like six strikeouts. I was thinking, don't do that.' Ryan loved his All-Star experience. Most of his time was spent talking to Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom. He also spent plenty of time with Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, noting he hoped to learn 'Scoobs's' routine. Byron Buxton was out of the lineup Sunday, but only because Baldelli wanted to give him a breather. After running all over a large outfield in Denver the previous two games, which was preceded by a long week in Atlanta for the All-Star Game, Baldelli thought Buxton would benefit from a rest. Buxton flew to Atlanta last Sunday from Minneapolis and participated in Monday's Home Run Derby, lasting two rounds. He also got two at-bats in Tuesday's exhibition, doubling and scoring as part of the American League's game-tying, ninth-inning rally. After the game, Buxton's family made the 3 1/2-hour trek to Baxley, Ga., arriving home at 4 a.m. The following day, Buxton presented new pink jerseys to his Under-11 baseball team. He flew from Georgia on Thursday and joined the Twins in Denver, homering in Friday's game and making an amazing catch in Saturday's contest. Advertisement 'After the last couple of days and the amount of running that he's done and everything he's been asked to do, plus obviously the week that he just had over the All-Star break, it's been a lot on him,' Baldelli said. 'He was going to get a day off likely this week at some point and we chose (Sunday).' With Ryan Jeffers' wife due to give birth any day now, the Twins added Mickey Gasper to the team's taxi squad as a potential replacement. Though the couple isn't planning to induce labor until July 28, Jeffers is ready to fly home at a moment's notice. 'We're about to be on the other side of the country, the farthest flight we could be the whole year,' Jeffers said with a laugh. 'I'm sleeping terrible. I'm not really thinking about it, but I'm consciously waiting for something.' (Top photo of Royce Lewis celebrating with DaShawn Keirsey Jr. after his eighth-inning home run on Sunday: Isaiah J. Downing / Imagn Images)
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Royce Lewis out of lineup as Twins fall to Rockies again, works to rediscover swing
DENVER — Two years ago, pinch hitting for Royce Lewis in a key spot late would have been unthinkable. Two years ago, Lewis wasn't favoring results over process. The Minnesota Twins third baseman said Saturday he recently compared video of his past swing with the current setup and doesn't recognize himself. Hitless in 11 consecutive at-bats, Lewis is batting .211/.276/.296 with two home runs and 13 RBIs, his .572 OPS ranking 289th out of 307 players with at least 150 plate appearances this season. Advertisement Out of Saturday's starting lineup after he was pinch hit for in the eighth inning Friday, Lewis thinks his swing is improving. But he also recognizes he's off and likely out of the lineup because of his struggles. 'It doesn't look the same as a year ago, two years ago,' Lewis said. 'My body is compensating for something. … I didn't realize how much injuries have taken a toll on my body. This is the first year it's really affected me. I don't know if it's because I'm starting to get older. When you're 20 and get hurt, you're fine. You come back and have all this energy, and your body reacts differently. I don't know what it is about it, but it has definitely taken a little bit longer this time to start feeling healthier. There's no excuses, and my swing feels good. I definitely can see in video it looks different. 'That's not Royce. I want it to be Royce. Where's Royce?'' As out of whack as Lewis feels, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli thought the breakout star of the 2023 postseason still produced one of his better swings of the season Friday. The 104.3 mph smash hit by Lewis found a glove and provided him with another round of disappointment. Lewis, who popped out in his first at-bat, struck out in his final plate appearance and was replaced by pinch hitter Trevor Larnach in the eighth inning. Lewis said Saturday he wouldn't care what a positive result looked like because it would make the team happy and relieve him of pressure. 'I've become more results-oriented because of how we run things here,' Lewis said. 'I've prided myself on understanding that (good process is) OK. But this year it seems like if I don't — or anybody in general — (they're) quick to pull the trigger on you. I'm trying to do my best to get some balls to fall, and when that doesn't happen, you're just like SOL.' Advertisement Baldelli isn't surprised Lewis is hyperfocused on his performance. He knows hitters' eyes can't help but look at their stat line on the scoreboard when they're in the middle of an 0-fer. But Baldelli wants Lewis to pay attention to the process that led him to his line drive out and replicate it. 'He's not alone,' Baldelli said. 'Every guy has done that at one point in his career. But how do you get it back on track? How do you get where you want to be? You go back to, how did he hit that 105-mile-an-hour line drive up the middle, and then try to do that again. It's the work that you put in. It's thinking about your swing and your approach and not your numbers.' Lewis felt like his swing was in a great place in spring training. Though Lewis was energized in February after an offseason full of good work, it might have been derailed by the left hamstring strain he suffered March 16. Two trips to the injured list for the hammy have cost Lewis 49 games this season. Hitting coach Matt Borgschulte said Lewis' swing is longer than in previous years. The two are in the process of cleaning it up. 'There's a little bit of length in the back part of his swing,' Borgschulte said. 'He's just missing some pitches. He's working on that and getting better with it. When you make an adjustment, sometimes it comes through right away, and sometimes it takes time to get back where it needs to be. The more we put the work in, the better it's going to get.' Lewis has dealt with trying circumstances all season. He appreciated the timing of the All-Star break and how it allowed him to heal mentally and physically. As tough as his season is, Lewis remains confident he can turn it around. 'It's extremely hard — I just want to reset,' Lewis said. 'Something feels different. I'm trying to figure it out. Hopefully, soon it looks like the Royce of old. … If I'm at my worst, I feel like I can still produce at a great level. I'm just looking forward to putting my best foot forward for the next 60.' Kody Clemens RBI triple? KODY CLELMENS RBI TRIPLE!!! — Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 20, 2025 Perhaps the Twins finally hit Rock(ies) bottom. After grabbing an early three-run lead Saturday, the Twins offense went to sleep, and the Colorado Rockies roared to life. Home runs by Ryan McMahon, Ezequiel Tovar and Hunter Goodman powered the Rockies, who clinched only their third series victory of the season in 32 tries with a 10-6 victory over the Twins in front of 42,131 at Coors Field. Advertisement Exiting the All-Star break hoping to at least earn a series victory over Colorado, the Twins must now win Sunday to avoid a sweep to a team on pace to finish 40-122. The 2024 Chicago White Sox set the record for most losses in modern baseball history with 121. The Twins' third straight loss drops them to 47-51 with only 10 games left until the July 31 trade deadline. The Twins are five games behind the final spot in the wild-card standings and behind five other teams, including the No. 3 Boston Red Sox. 'You want to always be in it, you want to fight for the playoffs,' catcher Ryan Jeffers said. 'But as it continues to go, we're continuing to not win games we should win. You look at the gap in the division is now 14 games. You start to look at the mountain you have to climb and think we have the ability in this locker room to do that climb and get to the playoffs and win playoff games. But we've got to play better baseball. We've got to win baseball games if we're going to do that, and we're not. We were doing that before the break and put up two duds to start the second half.' Saturday's ascent started pretty well for the Twins. They scored three times in the second inning as Jeffers doubled, Kody Clemens tripled, Carlos Correa doubled and Matt Wallner singled in a run. Making his first start back after missing six weeks with a right shoulder strain, Zebby Matthews looked electric, too. He struck out a pair in the first inning and flashed a 98 mph fastball. But things quickly went downhill for the Twins, who are easily one of the most intriguing teams at the deadline because they possess a lot of intriguing trade pieces and remain on the fence as to whether the front office should sell off players before the deadline. Ryan Ritter doubled in a run with two outs in the second inning against Matthews to make it a 3-1 game. Jeffers made a costly mistake in the third inning when he picked up an unplayable nubber with two outs, which looked as if it would have rolled foul. McMahon took advantage, belting a score-tying two-run homer when Matthews hung a curveball. Advertisement Matthews started the fifth inning nearing 80 pitches and exited after surrendering a blooper and a bleeder for singles. Though Brock Stewart recorded two quick outs, Tovar belted a first-pitch fastball for a three-run homer to make it a 6-3 game. Tyler Freeman doubled in a run off Justin Topa and Hunter Goodman's RBI groundout in the sixth extended the lead to 8-3. Though the Twins tried to claw back on a two-run double by Clemens in the eighth, Goodman put the game out of reach with a two-run homer off Anthony Misiewicz. Twins pitching surrendered eight runs with two outs. After its quick start, the team's offense got uber-aggressive. Twins hitters were retired on 8, 7, 6 and 6 pitches between the third and sixth innings by Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela, who improved to 4-13. 'We did a really nice job early on,' Baldelli said. 'It's one thing to do it for an inning. It's another thing to maintain it for the entire outing that a starter's out there. We needed to be better for longer. We needed to be more consistent.'
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Buxton and Castro homer, but it's not enough for Twins as Rockies hit Paddack early
DENVER — Much like the first half of the season, the Twins buried themselves in a deep hole on Friday night. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Twins are still woefully bad at digging themselves out. Chris Paddack immediately put his team behind by four runs, and the Twins' offense missed out on too many key opportunities. They rallied late, but the early deficit was too much for a middling team to overcome as the Twins fell 6-4 to the lowly Colorado Rockies in front of 37,759 at Coors Field. The loss dropped the Twins' record to three games below .500, stumbling out of the All-Star break by losing to Colorado, which is on pace to finish with the most losses in modern Major League Baseball history. Advertisement 'We didn't have enough,' Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. 'We have to do a better job, obviously, staying in the game and not falling out early. We weren't totally out of (it), but when you're down by four in the first inning, it's hard to come back. We put the work in. Didn't really get the results that we needed.' The knockout blow was quick and decisive. Colorado third baseman Ryan McMahon delivered the first punch, leaping to steal a two-out double from Ty France to end the first inning, saving at least a run, if not two. The Rockies' offense followed with a series of big hits against Paddack that left the Twins and their starting pitcher dazed. Paddack surrendered consecutive doubles out of the gate, followed by a run-scoring triple before McMahon belted a two-run homer to put Colorado ahead 4-0 after only four batters. Look out on the second deck 🚀 — Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 19, 2025 'First inning, crooked number,' Paddack said. 'I felt like they came out and they were on time for my fastball.' In the second, Jordan Beck, who also tripled and singled, blasted a 3-0 fastball down the middle 448 feet to center to give the Rockies a five-run lead. Paddack wouldn't allow another run, but the damage was done. Though the Twins provided themselves with multiple chances, they couldn't reciprocate against a team on pace to best last season's 121-loss Chicago White Sox by two losses. France's two-out liner hauled in by McMahon to end the first inning was only the beginning of a disappointing night. Colorado's defense prevented a rally from starting in the second inning with two slick plays. After the Twins got base runners in the middle innings, their run producers couldn't capitalize. Willi Castro flew out hard to right, and Carlos Correa bounced into a fielder's choice after two batters reached with one out in the third inning. Then in the fourth, Royce Lewis — who was pinch hit for in the eighth inning — popped out with a man on first. Advertisement The Twins eventually scored when All-Star Byron Buxton hit a solo homer off Kyle Freeland in the fifth inning, but they couldn't push forward. Freeland started the sixth inning by walking Correa, and France singled, but the pitcher, who entered the game with a 5.44 ERA, struck out Harrison Bader, Lewis and Brooks Lee. Byron Buxton crushes another one! That's 22 home runs this season with the Minnesota Twins! ⚾️ — MiloX Sports MLB (@MiloXSportsMLB) July 19, 2025 The Twins wouldn't score again until Castro blasted a three-run homer to make it 6-4. By then, it was too late. 'We've got to do a better job when we have those spots, and we had those spots,' Baldelli said. How long they'll be granted those chances remains to be seen. There are only 11 games left on the Twins' schedule before the July 31 trade deadline. Five of those contests — against Colorado and the 38-59 Washington Nationals — are winnable. The rest come against the Los Angeles Dodgers and red-hot Boston Red Sox. If the Twins don't get going soon, they might not receive a full slate of games to turn it around. The clubhouse believes the Twins possess enough talent to get the job done, especially with several key players close to returning from injury. But with a handful of interesting free agents to potentially cash in on and very intriguing team-controlled players, too, the opportunity to flip several Twins could be too enticing for the front office if the club doesn't course correct soon. 'I know the past month and a half we weren't doing so good,' Castro said. 'But baseball is crazy. You can have good months and some other bad months. You've just got to go out there and try to do your best to help the team win. We have the team to get up there and win it all.' Fresh off a stellar rehab outing, Zebby Matthews is expected to pitch for the Twins on Saturday night against the Rockies. Advertisement Matthews, who went on the injured list on June 5 with a right shoulder strain, struck out nine in four scoreless innings for Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday. The outing was the latest in a string of positive throwing sessions for Matthews, who touched 98.7 mph with a four-seam fastball which averaged 97.4. Matthews generated 15 swings and misses in 56 pitches. 'Command was a lot better than the live outing,' Matthews said. 'Felt a lot more in sync. Ready to get back at it whenever.' The Twins sent reliever Travis Adams back to St. Paul after the game to make space for Adams. Bailey Ober was a strike-throwing machine for St. Paul on Friday night. Pitching in his first game since he was placed on the injured list retroactive to June 29, Ober struck out three and walked none while limiting Louisville to four hits over four scoreless innings. He threw strikes on 43 of 50 pitches and generated eight swings and misses. Ober's fastball topped out at 91.6 mph and averaged 90.4, which is a tick below his season average. On the IL with right hip inflammation, Ober and the Twins implemented several mechanical changes during his shutdown period. The team is optimistic about Ober's potential to rebound after he allowed 14 home runs in June and posted a 9.00 ERA. 'Everything's gone very good,' Baldelli said. 'He looks like he's in better form than when he went on the IL. He's throwing the ball, I think, better with more conviction and just with better stuff. I think, physically, he feels better. He's recovered, and I think the hip's in a good spot.' Luke Keaschall also began rehab with the Saints on Friday, singling in a run in his final at-bat to finish 1-for-5. (Photo of Byron Buxton: Isaiah J. Downing / Imagn Images)
New York Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Twins takeaways: Ryan secures All-Star nod, Buxton is bruised, Keaschall heads South
MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Ryan was originally scheduled to start for the Minnesota Twins against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. That would have made MLB highly unlikely to pick Ryan as an All-Star roster replacement, since his availability to pitch in the Midsummer Classic would be in question. Instead, the Twins took advantage of Monday's off day to move up Ryan's start to Friday — still on normal rest and against the Pirates — clearing the way for him to become a first-time All-Star. It meant a lot to Ryan, who felt snubbed when he was left off the initial All-Star roster earlier this week. 'It feels great,' Ryan said. 'I was at peace with what I've done. But getting the recognition is an honor and something I've wanted for a long time. But getting it now, it just feels extra special.' New episode of The Diamond drops tonight and we promise you won't want to miss it! We'll see you on the livestream at 7:00pmhttps:// — Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 10, 2025 Ryan replaced Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown, who won't be available to pitch for the American League on Tuesday night because he's starting the first-half finale Sunday. It's all part of the process for All-Star selections, since someone needs to cover nine innings for each side. There were no guarantees that moving up Ryan's start to Friday would get him onto the All-Star roster, but manager Rocco Baldelli felt strongly that the 29-year-old right-hander deserved the honor for an excellent first half and wanted to do anything possible to help his candidacy. It worked. Advertisement Plus, it sets up a great pitching matchup Friday night at Target Field, with Ryan facing fellow All-Star right-hander Paul Skenes, whose final first-half start for the Pirates similarly moved up to Friday so the phenom could pitch — and possibly start — for the National League. As an added bonus, the Ryan-Skenes matchup will be the opening act for a postgame concert by Nelly. It should be an entertaining Friday night at Target Field (weather permitting). As expected, Byron Buxton was out of the lineup for Thursday's 8-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs after a 97.7 mph fastball hit his hand Wednesday. He initially remained in the game, stealing second base and coming around to score, but later left and underwent X-rays that came up negative. Baldelli declined to speculate about when Buxton could rejoin the lineup, but said, 'I think he's going to be fine. I wouldn't be surprised if he was back out there soon.' Byron Buxton was hit in the hand/wrist area with a pitch, it did hit the guard he wears — CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) July 9, 2025 Buxton has a very busy week ahead, with the Home Run Derby on Monday and the All-Star Game on Tuesday, all in front of his friends and family in Georgia. Baldelli indicated it's too soon to know if the hand injury could affect those plans. 'I think we're just going to be seeing how he is (Thursday) and (Friday),' Baldelli said. 'What he's capable of over the next couple days will basically give us that answer.' This is the second All-Star selection for Buxton, who came back from knee surgeries in back-to-back seasons to lead AL center fielders in OPS (.881), homers (20), runs (60), RBIs (53) and fWAR (3.3). He accepted the Home Run Derby invite because his oldest of three sons, Brixton, loves the event. Advertisement 'Brix is probably the most excited,' Buxton said. 'He plays 'MLB The Show' and plays the Derby all the time. And he always is like, 'Dad, if you do this, I want to bring you a towel!' That's all he cares about. And for me, that's special. It's the small things that add up to the big ones.' After working out with the Twins and taking live batting practice against fellow injury rehabber Zebby Matthews at Target Field this week, second baseman/outfielder Luke Keaschall is heading to Florida for the next step in his comeback from a fractured right forearm he sustained on April 25. Luke Keaschall singled on the first pitch of his third at-bat against Zebby Matthews. Zebby earlier struck out Keirsey and got Clemens to ground out to first. #MNTwins — DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 8, 2025 Keaschall will likely spend time at the Twins' year-round complex in Fort Myers, taking more live batting practice, followed by a rehab assignment for his first game action in nearly three months. He's on track to potentially rejoin the Twins after the All-Star break. A consensus top-100 prospect and reigning Twins minor-league player of the year, Keaschall made his big-league debut on April 18. He got hurt in his seventh game, but not before making a great first impression by hitting .368 with a .538 on-base percentage and five stolen bases. (Photo of Joe Ryan: David Berding / Getty Images)
Washington Post
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Twins keep sore Buxton out of starting lineup with bruised hand, but expect All-Star to be fine
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins held All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of the starting lineup on Thursday because of a bruised left hand that is not expected to affect his availability for long. Manager Rocco Baldelli said before the game against the Chicago Cubs that Buxton could be available as a substitute — possibly as a pinch-hitter — depending on how the hand was feeling.
