MINNEAPOLIS – With Royce Lewis mired in a deep slump, the Twins are sending the former No. 1 overall pick to the Minor Leagues.
Lewis, the team’s starting third baseman for most of the year, is being optioned to Triple-A St. Paul, a source said Tuesday. The club has not confirmed the move.
Lewis got off to a decent start to the season and carried an .822 OPS when he suffered a right knee sprain on April 9. Since returning from the injured list on April 21, however, he has struggled mightily. He has a .132/.189/.191 line in that span with 25 strikeouts in 74 plate appearances.
In corresponding moves, the Twins are purchasing the contract of veteran middle infielder Orlando Arcia, who has hit .318 with eight homers in 39 games at St. Paul this year, and designating right-hander Justin Topa for assignment. Topa surrendered three runs in two-thirds of an inning in Monday's 6-3 win over the Astros and has an 8.05 ERA in 23 appearances this season.