Twins reinstate Royce Lewis from IL after knee sprain

NEW YORK (AP) — The Minnesota Twins reinstated third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list Tuesday before beginning a three-game series against the New York Mets, after a nine-game absence because of a sprained left knee.

Lewis felt a pop in his knee during a swing in Minnesota's game April 9. He hit .222 with two doubles, two homers, eight RBIs and an .822 OPS in 12 games before the injury. In two games with Triple-A St. Paul on a rehab assignment, Lewis homered twice.

The Twins also placed left-handed reliever Kody Funderburk on the paternity list and recalled left-handed reliever Kendry Rojas from St. Paul. Starting pitcher Mick Abel was placed on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow on Monday.

Rojas, who is from Cuba, was acquired by the Twins last summer from the Blue Jays along with outfielder Alan Roden in a trade that sent first baseman Ty France and relief pitcher Louis Varland to Toronto. Rojas was ranked as Minnesota's 10th-best prospect entering the season by MLB.com.