WASHINGTON -- While the Twins figure out how to gain momentum amid the seven-game losing streak they took into Tuesday's game against the Nationals, the return of Royce Lewis is close and may provide the push Minnesota needs.

Lewis, who has been on the injured list since March 30 (retroactive to March 29) because of a severe right quad strain, ran the bases for the first time on May 20, and he is scheduled to continue his progression throughout the week. According to head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta, Friday will be a key date in the plan for the third baseman’s rehab to determine what the next steps will be.

“Friday will be a big tell for us, because we’re going to do a lot of stuff with him where we’re going to try to put him in as many game-scenario situations as we can,” Paparesta said prior to Tuesday’s game. “We’re getting close to a point where we’re heading in the right direction for a rehab assignment, but we’re not ready to say yet.”

Having Lewis return to the Twins lineup could prove to be a much-needed boost for the struggling offense. Last season, Lewis slashed .309/.372/.548 with a 2.4 WAR. The team has collectively slashed .177/.228/.265 since the seven-loss skid began back on May 14.

Selected by Minnesota as the first overall pick in the 2017 Draft, Lewis sustained the injury while running bases in the Twins’ Opening Day win over the Royals on March 28. He went 2-for-2 and hit a home run. As treatment, Lewis received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection.

Along with the baserunning exercises, the 24-year-old right-handed hitter has also been doing all of his other baseball activities, taking ground balls, hitting on the field and hitting in the cage. All are good signs that point to his return in the near future.

Unlike his previous knee surgeries or past injuries, there has not been a defined timeline for Lewis’ quad strain recovery. However, he has remained positive throughout the process, according to Paparesta.

“I think a lot of it is just spending time with him and listening to him and letting him be who he is, which is always very positive, always feeling good, which are all good signs, but we have to go by the science a little bit on that and explain that to him,” Paparesta said.