Twins designate – Minnesota reinstated Royce Lewis from Triple-A St. Paul and designated outfielder James Outman for assignment after Lewis’ strong run in the minors following a rough start to the 2026 season.
When the Minnesota Twins moved to change their roster, it came with an unmistakable message: Royce Lewis is back in the major leagues.
On Saturday, the Twins reinstated the infielder from Triple-A St. Paul and designated outfielder James Outman for assignment. Lewis returns to the major league roster after a short stint in the minors following what has been a difficult opening stretch to the 2026 season.
Before being optioned on May 19, Lewis had struggled at the plate in his early time this year. Across 31 games and 119 plate appearances, he posted a .163 batting average with a .261 on-base percentage, a .279 slugging percentage and a .540 OPS.
In St. Paul, though, the numbers flipped sharply. Over 67 plate appearances, including two earlier rehab appearances, Lewis hit .333 with a .403 on-base percentage and a .900 slugging percentage, producing a 1.303 OPS. He launched 10 home runs and struck out only 13 times.
It wasn’t just the power surge that stood out in Triple-A. While with the Twins’ affiliate, Lewis also widened his defensive options, seeing action at first base and second base in addition to his customary role at third.
The Twins made the corresponding roster decision by using Outman as the move to clear space. The 29-year-old’s 10-month tenure with the organization ends now. Minnesota acquired Outman from the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2025 trade deadline in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brock Stewart.
After the trade, Outman never found consistent offensive traction. In 37 games for Minnesota late in 2025, he hit .147 with four home runs, seven RBIs and a .558 OPS.
This season has brought more of the same. Outman appeared in 49 games primarily as a defensive replacement and pinch runner, batting .156 with 10 hits in 64 at-bats. He drove in three runs, stole four bases and posted a .479 OPS, slashing .156/.229/.250.
The contrast with Lewis is stark when you look past this season’s swing in roles. Lewis has dealt with interruptions at times. but his recent dip this year follows a track record that included a standout breakout in 2023. Since Opening Day 2024, Lewis has hit .225/.285/.398 across 847 plate appearances.
Outman, meanwhile, once looked like a player built for big offensive production early in his career. His breakout year in Los Angeles came in 2023. when he hit .248 with 23 home runs. 70 RBIs and a .790 OPS across 567 plate appearances. He finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Corbin Carroll and Kodai Senga. while ranking in the 95th percentile in Outs Above Average and the 89th percentile in sprint speed.
But the offensive drop-off has persisted. Since the start of 2024, Outman has hit just .144/.235/.284 across 374 major league plate appearances, and that is part of what has put him on the move now that Lewis’ bat has returned to life.
For Minnesota, Saturday’s transaction wasn’t just a roster shuffle. Lewis’ strong stretch in Triple-A after his May 19 optioning has earned him a second chance at the major league level. and Outman’s path with the Twins closes as the team clears the spot and turns toward what Lewis can deliver from here.
Minnesota Twins Royce Lewis James Outman DFA Triple-A St. Paul Brock Stewart MLB roster moves
So they DFA Outman to get Royce Lewis back? Just roster shuffle stuff i guess.
Royce Lewis got sent down and then started raking in Triple-A, and they’re like ok back to the bigs. That .540 OPS earlier like… wow. Outman must’ve messed up or something.
Wait, DFA means traded right? Or like released? Because I saw “designated for assignment” and my brain just thought he’s gone for good. Royce is back though so I’m not mad. Also why are they still moving people around in the middle of the season like this?
Outman was acquired from the Dodgers but couldn’t hit after the trade… figures. But I don’t get it, if they wanted more hitting why not just keep both and option someone else? Also the article says he only hit .147 with 4 homers and then cuts off like it’s my fault for reading. Twins really said “defense options” like that solves everything lol.