Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The Minnesota Twins reinstated third baseman Royce Lewis (groin) from the 10-day injured list on Friday and optioned catcher Jair Camargo to Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move. The Twins haven't posted their starting lineup for Friday's series opener on the road in Detroit against the division-rival Tigers, but Lewis should be back at third base. The oft-injured Lewis has recovered from a groin strain that he suffered in early July and should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups this weekend because of his elite power. The 25-year-old former first overall pick has had trouble staying on the field early in his career, but when he's active, he's been a beast at the plate. In only 24 games in 2024, Lewis has a 1.039 OPS, 10 home runs and 18 RBI in 99 plate appearances.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (forearm) left Wednesday's series finale early against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies after being hit by a pitch on his right forearm in the seventh inning. Buxton stayed in to run the bases but was replaced in center field the following inning by Austin Martin. It was announced on the telecast that Buxton was pulled due to a right-forearm contusion. It sounds like the oft-injured 30-year-old's injury isn't too serious, and he didn't appear to be in much pain, but the Twins will surely send him for further testing after the ballgame. Before departing, Buxton went 1-for-3 with a double and two strikeouts. If he's forced to miss extended time with this injury, Martin and Manuel Margot could split time in center field. The Twins have an off day on Thursday, so fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if Buxton is available against the Tigers.

Minnesota Twins pitching prospect David Festa was recalled by the major-league club on Wednesday. The Twins' No. 4 prospect, Festa made two starts with Minnesota this season with a 1-1 record and 10.80 ERA and 1.70 WHIP. At Triple-A St. Paul this season, the right-hander has a 4.03 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 89 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings pitched. Festa will get another shot to prove himself in the major leagues. At 6-foot-6, Festa has a good mound presence with a plus fastball. His strikeout rate in the minors is promising, but his rough starts with the Twins are concerning. It might be worth seeing some results before adding him in fantasy leagues.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson continued his strong rookie season in Tuesday's 3-0 loss to the Phillies. Woods Richardson pitched six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Unfortunately, his offense was held in check by a strong start from Zach Wheeler, leaving him without a chance at a win. The 23-year-old is now 3-1 with a 3.27 ERA, a 7.77 K/9 rate, and a 2.56 BB/9 rate in 17 starts and 88 IP. His next start will be a middling one at the Mets, but he should draw two starts in that week, making him a worthy fantasy start.

Minnesota Twins third baseman Jose Miranda (back) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday. As long as Miranda doesn't suffer a setback with his back at St. Paul, there's a chance that Miranda will be activated from the 10-day injured list to rejoin the big-league roster for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Tigers in Detroit. The 26-year-old has been out since before last week's All-Star break with a lower-back strain. Before his injury, Miranda was scorching-hot at the plate, going 28-for-59 (.475) with a homer, nine doubles, 16 RBI, five walks and a stolen base in 16 games since June 22. He snapped a 13-game hitting streak just before he was injured before the All-Star break. Regular third baseman Royce Lewis (groin) is also on track to return from the IL on Friday, but if Miranda picks up where he left off, the Twins will find a lineup spot for him on the daily.