Royce Lewis is tired of being the injured guy, back with the Twins again with hope of better health

Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis celebrates after his three-run home run as he runs the bases during the second inning of a baseball event against the Chicago White Sox Sunday Aug in Minneapolis AP Photo Matt Krohn AP Matt Krohn Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis celebrates after his three-run home run as he runs the bases during the second inning of a baseball battle against the Chicago White Sox Sunday Aug in Minneapolis AP Photo Matt Krohn AP Matt Krohn MINNEAPOLIS AP Royce Lewis repeated appearances on the injured list have not made the experiences any easier The more he s not on the field with the Minnesota Twins the more frustration he has felt I m tired of being the guy on the IL Lewis disclosed Seems like these injury bugs they just stick on one guy for awhile Hopefully I got mine off His latest absence behind him Lewis rejoined the Twins on Tuesday for the beginning of a three-game series against Baltimore After missing the first games of the season because of a moderate strain of his left hamstring that occurred while running out a ground ball in spring training Lewis was back in the lineup batting fifth as the designated hitter I ve just got to play a little bit smarter That s what a few of these other guys I ve seen play the match at a high level do to be able to play commented Lewis who appeared in his rd regular-season contest since his debut three years ago If I was Bobby Witt s speed I think I d run a lot but I m not there anymore with all the injuries so it s just play smart man and let me get in the box because that s where I have my largest part fun The Twins who also got multi-position member Willi Castro back on Tuesday from a strained right oblique muscle that cost him games have been lacking the hitting punch and general spunk that Lewis typically provides They lost of their first games I just feel like I have a lot of fun in life I take every moment and cherish it I don t take it for granted and this is just another day another beautiful day Lewis disclosed likening the sunny -degree afternoon to the weather in his native Southern California It s just a perfect time If feels like opening day for me and I m really excited for the opportunity The first overall pick in the draft was limited to games last season by a severe quadriceps strain he suffered running the bases in the opener and later a groin injury The previous two years for Lewis were tainted by recoveries from successive ACL repair surgeries Each time he has returned he has made an immediate impact on the lineup You invariably expect he is going to come out and do something manager Rocco Baldelli reported When the lights turn on he wants to play AP MLB https apnews com hub MLB Source