DETROIT — In Thursday’s series finale against Detroit, Minnesota’s Royce Lewis played second base, a position at which he feels relatively comfortable. He had some ups and downs in the field, and a couple of singles in four at-bats, none of which had much impact in an 11-0 loss to the Tigers.More important is the work Lewis has been doing behind the scenes, eager to show the Twins he is willing to do anything the team asks since returning from a short reset at Triple-A St. Paul. That includes learning to play first base, an undertaking that is now more than a week old.Lewis has logged six games at the position of late, and he’s been counseled twice in that span by Twins Hall of Famer Justin Morneau, who gave his young protege a “crash course” last Friday and a refresher course Wednesday. Luke Keaschall also participated on Wednesday as the Twins prepare their infielders to become more versatile and easier to work into the lineup.Expecting he one day might be asked to move around the infield, Lewis spent the offseason taking grounders at third base, shortstop and second base. First base wasn’t on the menu.“It’s not to where it’s like I can’t do this,” Lewis said. “It’s a little bit of a change. I never was expecting (to play) first (base), at least not this soon in my career. But when the roster shapes up as it is, you’ve got to make some changes and be versatile for the rest of the guys.”While Lewis acknowledges he’s still adapting, he’s eager to learn, feels increasingly comfortable, and is absorbing as much knowledge as he can. When he was still at Triple-A St. Paul, Morneau made a trip across the river before Friday’s game specifically to work with Lewis.
Justin Morneau pitching in to give Royce Lewis a ‘crash course’ at first base
Lewis has been willing to become more versatile since returning from a short reset at Triple A.













