Twins Injury Report: Top Prospect Royce Lewis Out For Season With Partially Torn ACL

The Twins announced that shortstop and top prospect Royce Lewis will be out for 12 months after suffering a partial tear in his right ACL. 

Royce Lewis Injury Update

Lewis hasn't played since going down with what was initially diagnosed as a bone bruise on May 29 while making a catch at the wall in center field. 

There are few true partial ligament tears, according to the ProBaseballDocs, evidenced by the year-long recovery timetable identical to that of a fully-torn ACL. 

The surgery and rehab will be the same as, regardless of the degree of tear, Lewis' knee is unstable enough to need a complete reconstruction (similar to Kawhi Leonard). 

Because he is yet to be an established player on the Twins' major league roster, Minnesota is would be wise to be slow with his recovery. 

He is highly unlikely to be ready for spring training in 2023 and his injury may open the door for the Twins to work at bringing back Carlos Correa, who signed a player-friendly contract with opt outs after this season. 

The 22-year-old previously suffered a torn ACL in the same right knee in February 2021. Lewis underwent surgery and missed the entire 2021 season, postponing his MLB debut until May 9, 2022. 

This ACL recovery won't be hindered by his 2021 tear and surgery. 

Lewis, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2017, moved around the defensive depth chart while stepping in for stars Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton and was playing in his first game in center. 

With two major knee injuries, the Twins are likely to contain Lewis to SS and DH to avoid another significant injury in the outfield. 

Lewis was batting .300 with an .867 OPS, two home runs, four doubles, and five RBI in 12 games in his first rendezvous in the majors.