Royce Lewis Injury Update: What Happened to Royce Lewis?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 05, 2023
Who is Royce Lewis?
Royce Oliver Lewis, a beacon of passion and talent, graces the baseball field as the dynamic shortstop for the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball (MLB). With unwavering determination, he emerged as the Twins' prized selection, chosen first overall in the remarkable 2017 MLB draft. The anticipation was palpable as Lewis embarked on his professional journey. In the scorching summer of 2017, Lewis burst onto the scene, igniting the field with his awe-inspiring skills. Making his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Twins of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League on June 26, he left an indelible mark from the very beginning.
As his star ascended, so did his level of play. A promotion to the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Single-A Midwest League in August exemplified his rapid growth. The numbers spoke volumes about Lewis' extraordinary abilities. With a combined batting average of .279, four resounding home runs, 27 RBIs, and an astounding 18 stolen bases in just 54 games across both clubs, he captivated fans and adversaries alike. The 2018 season continued to showcase his fervor as he returned to Cedar Rapids, leaving opponents trembling in his wake. Batting an awe-inspiring .315, he launched nine powerful home runs, drove in 53 RBIs, and swiftly swiped 22 bases, all while amassing a remarkable fifty runs scored. Lewis' electric performance resonated, heralding a promising future.
His journey reached new heights when the Fort Myers Miracle of the High-A Florida State League beckoned him on July 14, 2018. As accolades rained upon him, with MLB.com recognizing his immense talent by ranking him as the 10th best prospect in baseball on July 26, Lewis showcased his versatility and prowess. A true force to be reckoned with, he left a lasting impression in Fort Myers, leaving fans in awe with his bat, smacking five home runs and driving in 21 RBIs over 46 games.
The crown jewel of Lewis' illustrious 2018 season was the honor bestowed upon him as the Midwest League postseason all-star, an accolade that cemented his status as an MVP. His remarkable journey is a testament to his unyielding passion, determination, and unwavering love for the game. Now, with each swing of the bat and every graceful play in the field, Royce Lewis continues to embody the very essence of what it means to be a passionate and accomplished athlete. His presence on the field ignites excitement, captivating fans and inspiring a new generation of baseball enthusiasts. The future holds boundless possibilities for this remarkable talent, and the world eagerly awaits each thrilling chapter he scripts on the hallowed diamond.
Royce Lewis Injury Update
Royce Lewis exited Sunday's game after a collision at first base, initially appearing to suffer a severe neck injury. As he attempted to beat out a throw, he collided with Gabriel Arias, the first baseman for the Cleveland Guardians. The impact caused Lewis to flip into the air and land on his face and neck, resulting in a distressing sight. Fortunately, Lewis was wearing a helmet, which likely prevented more serious harm. Despite the alarming nature of the injury, he managed to walk off the field unassisted after several minutes of being attended to by Twins trainers. The full extent of his injury remains unclear, but the fact that he could leave the field without assistance is nothing short of miraculous considering the gravity of the incident.
This play would have been frightening to witness regardless of the player involved, but the fact that it was Lewis makes it even more disheartening. Twins fans are all too familiar with his unfortunate history of injuries, and this incident cannot be separated from the context of his recent return. Just a week prior, Lewis had rejoined the Twins lineup after a year-long absence due to a season-ending ACL injury. In his first game back, he made a tremendous impact by hitting a three-run home run and playing a vital role in the team's comeback victory over the Houston Astros.
Since his return, Lewis has continued to provide a spark for the team, fulfilling the expectations that fans have had since he was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2017. It is a devastating blow to see him suffer another setback, especially after such a triumphant return and during a time of celebration. However, the fact that Lewis was able to walk off the field under his own power is an encouraging sign. It suggests that the worst-case scenario may have been avoided. Nonetheless, the full details and severity of his injury are yet to be determined. It is advisable to follow reliable news sources or official team announcements for the most up-to-date information on Royce Lewis' injury.
Twins' Royce Lewis: Avoids Serious Injury
The incident occurred during a game when Lewis collided with Cleveland Guardians first baseman Gabriel Arias while trying to beat out a throw to first base. The collision caused Lewis to flip into the air and land on his face and neck, resulting in a terrifying moment for everyone involved. Lewis was wearing a helmet which likely mitigated the severity of the injury. After remaining on the ground for several minutes, he was able to walk off the field under his own power, which is a positive sign. However, the extent of his injury has not been confirmed, and further evaluation will be needed to determine its severity.
This injury is particularly disheartening considering Lewis' previous injury history. Just last year, he suffered a season-ending ACL injury, and his return to the Twins lineup had been a source of excitement and hope for fans. In his first game back, Lewis made a significant impact by hitting a three-run home run and contributing to a comeback victory against the Houston Astros. It's clear that Lewis possesses immense talent and potential, and his return to the field was seen as a significant milestone in his career. The fact that he has faced multiple setbacks due to injuries makes this recent incident even more devastating for him and his supporters.
After the frightening collision at first base during the Twins' 2-1 loss to the Guardians on Sunday, Royce Lewis provided an update on his condition, expressing that he expects to be sore but remained in good spirits. The incident occurred when he collided with Cleveland first baseman Gabriel Arias, causing him to flip over and land on his face with his neck bent backward as his legs went over his body. Although Lewis had a cut across his forehead, manager Rocco Baldelli reassured that tests showed no signs of a concussion or any immediate concerns. However, the Twins will continue to monitor Lewis's condition closely as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Rays on Tuesday.
Royce Lewis Injury History
On February 24, 2021, Royce Lewis received the devastating news of an ACL tear, which led to surgery being scheduled for February 26. This was the second time he had experienced such an injury, and it necessitated a nine-month recovery period, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season. Despite feeling positive about his rehabilitation progress, Lewis found himself once again grounded, waiting for his chance to return to the field. The challenges and emotional swings that came with rehab became all too familiar to Lewis, an exceptional athlete who had been the top pick in the 2017 amateur draft.
The pandemic had already deprived him of the 2020 season, and he now faced the additional setback of tearing his ACL for a second time on May 29, 2021. As a result, his anticipated return to the majors was pushed back to late June or July. Although Lewis was eager to expedite his rehab, having reached the six-month milestone on December 21, he also recognized the importance of allowing sufficient time for proper recovery. He understood that taking the necessary time could have a significant impact on the longevity of his career.
While he gained more confidence in the process during this time, acknowledging that good days outnumbered the occasional bad ones, his strong desire to compete and secure a spot on the 2023 Twins roster remained. Despite the challenges he had faced, Lewis maintained a big-picture perspective, valuing the understanding he had gained throughout his journey. However, this did not completely extinguish his immediate longing to be back on the field and contribute to the team.
Royce Lewis Family
Royce Lewis, a native of Aliso Viejo, California, entered this world in June 1999 to proud parents William and Cindy Lewis. William, along with Cindy, is the driving force behind the operation of winery restaurants, showcasing their passion for both food and wine. From a young age, Royce displayed a profound love for baseball, a sport that would ultimately become his calling. He attended JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, California, where he honed his skills on the baseball field. His exceptional talents and remarkable performances led to him being named the LA Times high school baseball player of the year during his junior year.
Amidst his rise to prominence, Royce Lewis was fortunate to have the unwavering support of his parents, who not only nurtured his talent but also shared a deep appreciation for the game. William and Cindy Lewis, as ardent baseball enthusiasts themselves, played a pivotal role in fostering their son's passion for the sport. While William found success as a founding partner of "The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar," a renowned establishment with locations in Tustin and Newport Beach, Cindy pursued her hobby of creating beautiful necklaces. Together, they raised two children, Royce and his younger sister Rylie, in the welcoming community of Aliso Viejo.
The Lewis family's strong Christian values served as the foundation for Royce's upbringing. Their faith and support guided him throughout his journey, shaping him into the remarkable individual he is today. With an African-American father and a Caucasian mother, Royce embraces his mixed background, adding to the diverse tapestry of his life.
As Royce Lewis emerged as the new face of the Minnesota Twins, his sister Rylie stood by his side, supporting him on his remarkable journey. Though she keeps her Instagram account private, her presence is felt among her 641 followers, a testament to the close-knit bond shared by the Lewis siblings. In the Lewis household, baseball has become more than just a sport—it is a shared passion that binds the family together. With their unwavering love and support, William and Cindy Lewis have contributed immeasurably to Royce's success, instilling in him the values and drive that have propelled him to the pinnacle of the baseball world.
Royce Lewis Girlfriend
Royce Lewis's girlfriend, Samantha Hobert, shares in the excitement of his fans. Throughout the majority of his career, she has been a steadfast supporter by his side. Samantha has been there for Royce since before his MLB debut, providing unwavering encouragement and cheering him on. With her firsthand knowledge of the pro-athletic lifestyle, she understands the demands and challenges that come with it. Although Royce and Samantha did not date during their teenage years at JSerra Catholic High School, their relationship blossomed later on.
Their journey together was documented on Samantha's Instagram, with Royce making his first appearance on her feed in 2018, shortly after being selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 2017 MLB Draft. Despite the demands of a long-distance relationship, Samantha made it a priority to travel and support Royce as he played in the High-A Florida State League, showcasing their commitment to making their love work amidst his baseball career. Samantha, known as Sam to her loved ones, was born on October 12, 1998, in California. She hails from a family deeply ingrained in the world of athletics.
Her father, Billy Joe Hobert, had a successful football career as a quarterback at Washington and was subsequently drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1993 NFL Draft. He went on to play professionally for nine seasons. Samantha's mother, Danielle, also had a passion for sports, having played soccer at Sonoma State. Growing up, Samantha had the company of her siblings: Taylor, Kennedy, Mackenzie, and Joey. Kennedy Hobert followed in the family's athletic footsteps and played basketball at George Fox University.
Samantha's brother, Joey Hobert, was a wide receiver for the Washington State football team before transferring to the Utah Tech football team. Her sister, Taylor Maher, pursued a different path, becoming a labor and delivery nurse and embracing the joys of motherhood. Mackenzie and Kennedy have found their partners in life, as both of them are married. The Hobert family's close-knit bond and shared love for sports have undoubtedly shaped Samantha's upbringing and contributed to her understanding and support of Royce's athletic journey.
Royce Lewis Injury Update - FAQs
Royce Lewis was born on June 5, 1999.
Royce Lewis plays as a shortstop in baseball.
Royce Lewis plays for the Minnesota Twins, a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise.
Royce Lewis made his MLB debut in 2022.
Yes, Royce Lewis suffered an ACL tear in February 2021, which required surgery and caused him to miss the entire 2021 season.