Royce Lewis Slump: Updates & Analysis
- — Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis is facing a tough stretch at teh plate, acknowledging he's currently in a hitting slump.
- Lewis explained his earlier comments, stating his intention was to emphasize a focus on each new game and opponent, rather than dwelling on past failures.
- Hopefully I play long enough I slump 100 more times," Lewis said.
Royce Lewis Addresses Hitting Slump with Positive Outlook
SACRAMENTO, calif. — Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis is facing a tough stretch at teh plate, acknowledging he’s currently in a hitting slump. this comes nearly a year after he downplayed the idea of slumps, a statement he has since clarified.
Lewis explained his earlier comments, stating his intention was to emphasize a focus on each new game and opponent, rather than dwelling on past failures. “I go into today thinking it’s Luis Severino,” Lewis said, referring to the Athletics starter. “I’ve faced him in the past. I feel good. I know his sinker and his four-seam, and that’s my mindset.”
Now, Lewis is forthright about his struggles. “I’ll say it: I slump. A lot of people slump. Everyone slumps. Hopefully I play long enough I slump 100 more times,” Lewis said. He added, “I’m very excited to keep pushing thru and having another possibility.”
Lewis was out of the starting lineup Monday for the second time in three days. His struggles include an 0-for-30 skid, following an earlier 0-for-36 stretch in May after returning from a hamstring strain. Through 21 games, lewis is hitting .127 with one home run and three RBIs.
Hitting coach Matt Borgschulte said Lewis is working on mechanical tweaks to regain his form. “He was in (the batting cage) hitting some challenging shapes and some good stuff to make sure he’s staying on the ball as much as he can,” Borgschulte said. “Staying grounded in his legs. Getting back to the step where he’s kind of in rhythm with it.”
Despite the challenges, Lewis remains positive, drawing inspiration from other stars who have experienced similar difficulties. He is relying on a close circle of advisors for support.
Manager Rocco Baldelli acknowledged Lewis’s efforts.”He’s working hard to focus on the things that he needs to focus on and that’s, as a manager, what you can ask a player to do,” Baldelli said. “When you’re dealing with struggles, looking at them straight on is a good thing.”
What’s next
Lewis aims to leverage his support system and mechanical adjustments to break out of his slump and contribute to the team’s success.