MLB Player News

Lewis (hamstring) is likely to remain at designated hitter for the ALDS against the Astros, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Lewis and the Twins are hoping he'll be available to play third base at some point, but his left hamstring still isn't 100 percent. For now, the club will just be happy to have his bat in the lineup. Lewis homered twice and also drew two walks during the Twins' AL Wild Card Series versus the Blue Jays.

Lewis went 2-for-3 with two home runs and a walk in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series.

Lewis provided all the offense in this contest, as he had Kevin Gausman's number from the start and made sure to take advantage in both the first and third innings. The rookie third baseman had been on a power binge of sorts heading into the postseason, with five home runs in his 15 games to close out the regular season. During that span, he slashed .315/.422/.630 with 12 runs and 19 RBI.

Walls is starting at shortstop and batting seventh in Tuesday's AL Wild Card Series opener versus the Rangers.

Walls didn't start two of the Rays' final three regular-season games and has posted an anemic .491 OPS since the beginning of June. However, manager Kevin Cash trusts Walls' glove at shortstop more than anyone else and that's earned him a start in Game 1.

Caminero is not in the lineup for Tuesday's Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Rangers.

Caminero did make the Rays' roster, but he will not be in the lineup for the series opener after starting the final seven regular-season games. Tampa Bay is going with Taylor Walls at shortstop and Curtis Mead at second base Tuesday.

Lewis (hamstring) is on the Twins' AL Wild Card Series roster, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Lewis hasn't played since Sept. 19 due to a left hamstring strain, but he went through a workout with his teammates Monday to show the club he was ready to go. He is expected to be limited to designated hitter duties, at least initially, as he comes back from injury.

Mead is starting at second base and batting fifth in Tuesday's Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series versus the Rangers.

Mead didn't even seem to be a given to be included on the roster, so the fact that he's starting Game 1 and batting fifth has to be a nice boost to the rookie's confidence. He and his teammates will be squaring off against left-hander Jordan Montgomery.

Lewis (hamstring) is expected to be listed on Minnesota's roster for its upcoming AL Wild Card Series against Toronto, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Lewis sounded unsure about his availability when speaking with media earlier in the day, but Hayes notes that he demonstrated his health during Monday's workout. Hayes also acknowledged that it's likely Lewis will be limited to the DH role, but it would still be a big boost for the Twins to get his bat back in the starting nine. Expect the official roster to be revealed Tuesday morning.

Lewis (hamstring) acknowledged that he's uncertain if he'll be available to play Tuesday in Game 1 of the Twins' wild-card round series with the Blue Jays, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Lewis made his final appearance of the regular season Sept. 19 before landing on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. He was able to take part in simulated games last week, but he said Monday that he still isn't yet running at 100 percent. Even though speed is a big component of Lewis' game, the 24-year-old has been one of the Twins' more productive batters when healthy, so he could still be activated for the wild-card round to serve as a designated hitter. The Twins will likely re-evaluate Lewis early Tuesday before deciding on his status for the upcoming three-game series.

Caminero went 2-for-6 with a solo homer, two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 12-8 win over the Blue Jays.

Caminero got an RBI single in the second and then launched an opposite field home run off Tim Mayza in the fifth for his first big-league blast. The 20-year-old phenom slashed .235/.278/.353 with seven RBI, four runs and a 2:8 BB:K in 36 plate appearances after he was called up. He should be in the mix to make the postseason roster for the Rays.

Freeman went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Tigers.

Freeman homered twice over his last four games of the season, giving him four long balls on the year. The infielder also posted a .242/.295/.366 slash line over 168 plate appearances. He added 18 RBI, 20 runs scored and five stolen bases, and he should have a chance to compete for a larger role in spring training next year.