MINNEAPOLIS -- Royce Lewis has begun a running progression as he continues his recovery from a strained left hamstring. Lewis estimated he ran at about 80 percent on Thursday and said he was very encouraged by how he felt one day later.
“I think the day after is always important,” Lewis said, “and today was a good day.”
Lewis said that beyond running, he’s participating in all other baseball activities, including hitting in the batting cage and taking defensive work. Friday was a slightly lighter day for him, but he expects to follow it with a full day of work Saturday.
After that, he expects to have another lighter day Sunday followed by running on Monday and Tuesday. There is still no timetable for Lewis’ return to game action, but both he and the club are encouraged by his progress.
“[Saturday] will be a bigger day probably” he said. “We’re hoping to get on the field for BP. Totally normal day. That’s where I’m at. I’m feeling great.”
After suffering a moderate hamstring strain that cost him more than a month at the start of the season, Lewis scuffled at the plate for a bit. However, he had started to heat up at the time of the new injury. On the year he has a .202/.282/.303 slash line with two home runs in 30 games.
Larnach scratched
Trevor Larnach was in the initial lineup that the Twins posted Friday, batting fourth and serving as the designated hitter. However, he was a late scratch due to what the club called a right hand contusion. Ryan Jeffers took his place at DH.
Larnach said that the issue stems from his being hit by a pitch in the first inning of Thursday’s win in Cincinnati. He remained in the game and tallied a double and a walk. He is not expected to miss a significant amount of time.
Matthews throws
Right-hander Zebby Matthews, who is on the injured list due to a right shoulder strain, threw for the first time Friday since suffering the injury. It was only flat-ground catch, and Matthews remains some time away from game action, but it was still progress for the second-year starter. No timetable has been given for Matthews’ return.