After years of fighting injuries, Royce Lewis is finally getting his chance in Minnesota, making his presence felt in recent weeks after knocking three grand slams in just eight games.
Lewis joined News Talk 830 WCCO’s Vineeta Sawkar to discuss the Twins’ final stretch leading up to the playoffs and his recent play.
While injuries may have messed up how Lewis wanted to start his career, he says he is just grateful for his recent success and how the Twins have played. He also said it has been great to be out on the field, playing the game he loves.
“It’s been a little bit more than I could have imagined. It’s all thanks to the blessings of God. I couldn’t have imagined this. All I could have imagined was that I was going to come back and work my butt off,” Lewis shared.
Lewis says his focus was on rehabbing and getting back to the field, and now that he’s made his return, he’s focused on proving he has what it takes to be in this league.
With a .318 batting average, 11 home runs, and nearly 40 RBIs, it seems like Lewis has proved all he needs to, but he continues to shine, most recently with his team record-tying three grand slams in a season.
Lewis shared that when he’s up to bat with the bases loaded, his confidence level rises, but so does his appreciation for his teammates.
“My teammates have been doing a great job of having great at-bats all year long, and Rocco Baldelli has been putting me in great situations,” Lewis said.
When it comes to October baseball, Lewis shared that they have to get the job done in their last 20 or so games, but he feels they can “make some noise” come playoff time.
“I think this team is very special. I think we have a great group of guys, people that I love and care about as people,” Lewis said. “I love the talent, and I can’t wait to share the field in the postseason with these guys.”
Looking back at his return from rehab and injury, Lewis feels nothing thankfulness for those who helped support him along the way, as he says he couldn’t have done it without them.
“The love and support of my family and friends and the team. The organization,” Lewis said. “Everyone really did a great job of taking care of me and putting me in the right situations to succeed.”
