Max Kepler
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2018Stars4917217361760413462010.2090.2690.314
2019Stars4717322401761714322100.2310.2930.399
2020Stars130515721128430030481151000.2170.2870.450
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2024Stars13047636874925116351353110.1830.2420.340
2025Stars1037250200260000.1350.1790.189
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 22 2025Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed-hitting Kepler will hit the bench for the first time since June 9, which marks the last time the Phillies faced a left-handed starting pitcher (the Cubs' Matthew Boyd). With southpaw David Peterson toeing the rubber for the Mets in the series finale, Otto Kemp will step in as the Phillies' left fielder in place of Kepler, who went 9-for-39 (.231 average) with three home runs and a 7:7 BB:K during his stretch of 11 consecutive starts.
Jun 14 2025Kepler went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, two walks and an additional run scored in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler broke a 2-2 tie with what proved to be a game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. After opening June in a 1-for-18 slump, the 32-year-old has hit safely in four straight games with four extra-base hits, four RBI and five runs scored. On the season, he's slashing .214/.303/.398 with eight home runs, 25 RBI and 29 runs scored across 234 plate appearances, though he continues to sit regularly against left-handed pitching.
Jun 11 2025Kepler went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler got the Phillies on the board in the second with a two-run shot to right for his first home run since May 24 and his first hit since June 3. Over his last 14 games, Kepler is batting a miserable .105/.190/.211 while continuing to work in a strong-side platoon role in left field with Weston Wilson.
Jun 1 2025Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will get a breather while the Brewers send southpaw Jose Quintana to the hill. Weston Wilson will check in for Kepler in left field.
May 24 2025Kepler went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a second run scored in Saturday's 9-6 extra-innings win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler didn't start Saturday, but he delivered a pinch hit homer to tie the game at 6-6 in the ninth inning. He also scored the go-ahead run in the 11th as the initial runner after he failed to deliver in his 10th-inning at-bat. Kepler is 6-for-15 (.400) with three RBI and four extra-base hits over his last five games. He's at a .233/.317/.415 slash line, six homers, 18 RBI, 22 runs scored, 11 doubles and no stolen bases over 179 plate appearances, working in a strong-side platoon role in left field alongside the right-handed-hitting Weston Wilson.
May 4 2025Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will hit the bench along with Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott while the Diamondbacks send southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez to the hill. Weston Wilson will enter the lineup in Kepler's stead, drawing a start at first base while Bryce Harper serves as the Phillies' designated hitter and Kyle Schwarber mans left field.
May 3 2025Kepler went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and an additional run scored in Saturday's 7-2 win over Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler put the Phillies on the board in the second inning, when he took Brandon Pfaadt deep to right-center field for a two-run home run. Kepler hit just one homer over his first 23 games this season, but he has smacked four long shots over his last seven games and has gone 8-for-25 (.320) with eight runs scored and six RBI over that span.
Apr 16 2025Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will head to the bench along with fellow left-handed hitters Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh while the Giants send southpaw Robbie Ray to the hill. Kyle Schwarber, who typically serves as the Phillies' designated hitter, will fill in for Kepler in left field.
Apr 13 2025Kepler is not in Philadelphia's starting lineup against St. Louis on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Matthew Liberatore taking the mound for the Cardinals on Sunday, the Phillies will start Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas and Nick Castellanos in the outfield for the series finale. Kepler went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in the first two games against St. Louis.
Apr 8 2025Kepler is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game in Atlanta, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting Kepler has made a couple starts against lefties this season, but he'll take a seat in this one with southpaw Chris Sale on the bump for Atlanta. Edmundo Sosa will handle left field and bat seventh.
Mar 31 2025Kepler went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and a double in Monday's win over Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler doubled in the second inning and gave the Phillies some extra cushion with his solo shot in the eighth. It was his first multi-hit effort of the young 2025 campaign after going 1-for-7 with three walks in the opening series against Washington. Kepler should continue seeing regular playing time against righties as long as the bat stays steady.
Mar 30 2025Kepler is not in the lineup Sunday against the Nationals, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 1-for-7 with three walks, a double, two runs and four strikeouts in the first two games of the season, Kepler will hit the bench Sunday with lefty Mitchell Parker taking the mound for Washington. Brandon Marsh will shift to left field while Johan Rojas mans center in the series finale.
Mar 18 2025Kepler (back) will start in left field and bat third in Tuesday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Pirates, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler suffered a back injury Sunday, when he collided with the outfield wall while tracking a flyball. Though an immediate timeline for Kepler's return wasn't known after he suffered the injury, he apparently needed just one day of rest to move past the back issue. Kepler is in line to serve as the Phillies' primary left fielder in 2025.
Mar 17 2025Kepler (back) does not have a timetable for his return to action, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had to be removed from Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles with a bruised lower back after he collided with the outfield wall while making a catch. He did not play Monday and it sounds like he could miss a few additional days of action. If healthy, Kepler is slated to open the season as the Phillies' primary left fielder.
Mar 16 2025Kepler was diagnosed with a lower-back contusion after being removed from Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old suffered the injury when he collided with the wall in left field while making a catch, with the Phillies labeling his exit as a precautionary move. Assuming the injury doesn't linger, Kepler could be back in the lineup after taking a couple days to recover.
Feb 17 2025Kepler (knee) faced live pitching Sunday and appears to be back to full health for spring training, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While with the Twins last season, Kepler didn't play after Sept. 1 due to left patellar tendinitis as well as a sore hip, but neither injury is believed to have affected his offseason workouts. After hitting free agency in the winter, Kepler inked a one-year, $10 million deal with the Phillies and is likely to slot in as a strong-side platoon player in the corner outfield. The 31-year-old slashed .253/.302/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBI and 43 runs over his 105 games with the Twins in 2024.
Dec 19 2024Kepler (knee) agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with Philadelphia, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. The deal is pending a physical. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler ended last season on the injured list with left knee tendinitis. He's expected to play left field for the Phillies, which is odd since he's never played a game in left field in his career. Kepler has been an outstanding fielder in right field and has been decent in center field. He hit just .253/.302/.380 and played just 105 games as he missed time to injuries to both his knees. He hit better against lefties last season than righties (.721 OPS vs. LHP) but has been much better against righties during his career. That could lead him to be part of a platoon in left field eventually.
Sep 27 2024Kepler (knee/hip) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was expected to be shut down for the remainder of the regular season and Friday's move not only confirms that but also rules him out for the entirety of the playoffs -- should the Twins come back from three games back and claim a wild card spot. Kepler was placed on the injured list Sept. 5 due to left knee tendinitis and received a cortisone injection for hip soreness Sept. 17. He should be ready in time once spring training rolls around.
Sep 24 2024Manager Rocco Baldelli said Tuesday that Kepler (knee/hip) isn't expected to return from the injured list before the end of the regular season, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old landed on the shelf in early September due to knee tendinitis, and he received a cortisone injection for hip soreness last week. The Twins are currently one game back of the final American League wild-card spot, and it's possible Kepler could return at some point during the playoffs should they punch their ticket and go on an October run.
Sep 22 2024Kepler (knee) will take live batting practice Monday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He will then go through a full workout with the Twins on Tuesday before being evaluated for a potential return from the 10-day injured list. Kepler has been shelved since early September with left knee tendinitis but should return this week if he checks out well.
Sep 17 2024Kepler (knee) received a cortisone injection for hip soreness Monday but is still expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul this weekend, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old landed on the shelf due to knee tendinitis in early September but appears to be fully recovered from that injury. It's unclear how or when exactly the hip soreness surfaced for Kepler, but he should still have a chance to return from the injured list for the final homestand of the season next week.
Sep 5 2024The Twins placed Kepler on the 10-day injured list Thursday with left patellar tendinitis, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had missed four straight games and started just three of the last 11 contests because of the nagging knee issue. The Twins have finally opted to put him on the IL, bringing up DaShawn Keirsey as a replacement. Most of the playing time in right field while Kepler is sidelined should go to Matt Wallner.
Sep 4 2024Kepler (knee) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game in Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler hasn't played since Sunday due to left knee soreness, although he might not have started Wednesday, anyway, with the Rays slated to use lefty Tyler Alexander in bulk relief. Matt Wallner will occupy right field for the Twins.
Sep 3 2024Kepler (knee) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game in Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was a late scratch ahead of Monday's 5-4 win due to left knee soreness and will also begin the second game of the series on the bench. He probably would have been out of the lineup even if he were 100 percent, with the Rays starting southpaw Jeffrey Springs. Michael Helman will start in right field for the Twins on Tuesday in what will be his major-league debut.
Sep 2 2024Kepler was scratched from the lineup in Monday's game versus the Rays due to left knee soreness, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the same injury which caused Kepler to miss some time last week, and the fact that the Twins are playing on artificial turf at Tropicana Field could have been a factor in the decision. Consider Kepler day-to-day for now. Carlos Santana entered the lineup in Kepler's place, with Matt Wallner shifting to right field.
Aug 30 2024Kepler (knee) appeared in Friday's win over Toronto as a defensive replacement in right field but did not have a plate appearance. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler wasn't in the lineup due to a sore knee but was able to come off the bench in the ninth inning. Kepler returned to the lineup Tuesday against Atlanta after missing time with left knee soreness, but then missed Wednesday's game. It looks like he could return to the lineup Saturday.
Aug 28 2024Kepler is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing two games with left knee soreness, but he'll be back on the bench Wednesday with Atlanta sending lefty Chris Sale to the hill. Matt Wallner will start in right field for the Twins.
Aug 27 2024Kepler (knee) will start in right field and bat sixth in Tuesday's game versus Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed the previous two contests with some soreness in his left knee, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go in this one. The 31-year-old Kepler enters play Tuesday in a 4-for-30 drought at the dish.
Aug 26 2024Kepler (knee) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was a late scratch from the lineup ahead of Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Cardinals with a sore left knee and will miss out on a second straight start. Given that Atlanta is sending a tough lefty in Max Fried to the hill for the series opener, the lefty-hitting Kepler might have been excluded from the lineup even if he wasn't bothered by the knee.
Aug 25 2024Kepler was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals due to left knee soreness, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's unclear when exactly Kepler suffered the injury, as he started the previous two games and went 1-for-8 with an RBI and a strikeout. The veteran outfielder should be considered day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener versus Atlanta.
Aug 21 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The slumping Kepler will hit the bench Wednesday after he went 3-for-22 at the dish while starting in each of the Twins' last six games. Matt Wallner will replace Kepler in right field.
Aug 14 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Kepler will check out of the lineup for the series finale while the Royals send southpaw Cole Ragans to the hill. Kepler had started in right field in each of Minnesota's last 10 contests, going 12-for-39 (.308 average) with a home run and four RBI.
Aug 4 2024Kepler (head) will start in right field and bat fifth Sunday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old was held out of the starting nine for the past two games after being hit in the helmet by a ball Wednesday, though he came off the bench Saturday and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run. Kepler has enjoyed a strong start to the second half, as he has a .325/.386/.500 slash line with two doubles, a triple and a homer in 11 games since the All-Star break.
Aug 2 2024Kepler (head) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler exited Wednesday's contest due to a head injury after he was hit in the helmet on an attempted throw to second base, and he'll be out of the starting nine for at least one game. Matt Wallner will receive a start in right field against Chicago right-hander Davis Martin on Friday.
Jul 31 2024Kepler was removed in the fifth inning of Wednesday's game against the Mets due to a head injury, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. He went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run before leaving the game. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler suffered the injury during his plate appearance in the fourth inning, when he was hit in the helmet by Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez's attempted throw to second base. He was ruled out for interference on the throw, but Kepler was back in right field for the bottom of the fourth. Either Kepler wasn't quite feeling 100 percent or the Twins wanted to check in for concussion symptoms as a precaution, as Manuel Margot came off the bench to replace him in the outfield an inning later. Consider Kepler day-to-day heading into the Twins' next game Friday versus the White Sox.
Jul 30 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As per usual, Kepler will take a seat with Minnesota facing a left-handed pitcher in Sean Manaea. Manuel Margot will bat leadoff and fill right field Tuesday.
Jul 27 2024Kepler is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Tigers, per MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Tigers sending southpaw Tarik Skubal to the mound, the lefty-hitting Kepler will begin the contest on the bench. Kepler went 1-for-5 with a run scored in Friday's 9-3 win over Detroit. Manuel Margot will start in right field Saturday and bat in the leadoff spot.
Jul 12 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will take a seat with the Giants starting southpaw Kyle Harrison. Willi Castro, Byron Buxton and Manuel Margot fill the outfield from left to right.
Jul 10 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will receive some rest for the first game of the twin bill but should be back in the lineup for the second contest. Matt Wallner will patrol right field for the Twins in the early game.
Jul 2 2024Kepler is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's tough left-hander Tarik Skubal on the hill for Detroit, so the left-handed hitting Kepler will begin this one on the bench. Manuel Margot is in right field and also hitting leadoff for the Twins.
Jun 27 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will be joined on the bench by fellow left-handed hitter Trevor Larnach as the Twins add a pair of right-handed bats (Manuel Margot and Kyle Farmer) to the lineup to counter Diamondbacks southpaw Jordan Montgomery. Expect Kepler to rejoin the starting nine for the Twins' series opener in Seattle on Friday, when right-hander Logan Gilbert is scheduled to take the hill for the Mariners.
Jun 25 2024Kepler (neck) will start in right field and bat cleanup in Tuesday's game in Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed three starts while battling neck spasms, but he's ready to give it a go following Monday's team off day. The veteran outfielder comes into action Tuesday with just a .548 OPS in June, although he has homered twice in his previous five contests.
Jun 23 2024Kepler (neck) isn't in the Twins' lineup for Sunday's game against Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Neck spasms will cause Kepler to miss his third game in a row Sunday, though he still doesn't seem to be trending toward a trip to the injured list. Manuel Margot will pick up another start in right field and bat leadoff.
Jun 21 2024Kepler (neck) isn't part of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was removed from Thursday's game with neck spasms and isn't expected to hit the injured list, but he'll still be held out of Friday's contest. Instead, Manuel Margo will bat seventh and play right field for Friday's series opener.
Jun 20 2024Kepler exited Thursday's game against the Rays because of neck spasms, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler tweaked his neck while sliding into first base when he attempted to bunt for a hit in the first inning. He should be considered day-to-day for now, but the Twins could provide more information on Kepler's status after the game.
Jun 16 2024Kepler (elbow) went 1-for-5 in a win over the A's in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being hit by a pitch on the elbow Friday, Kepler was held out Saturday and for the first game of Sunday's twin bill. He was back in the lineup for Game 2, however, and appears to be in the clear moving forward. Trade rumors have followed Kepler for several seasons, but he continues to fill a prominent role against right-handed pitching for Minnesota. The 31-year-old remains an above-average offensive contributor thanks in part to the limited exposure to lefties (.261/.323/.426 overall this season).
Jun 15 2024Kepler is absent from Saturday's lineup against the Athletics due to a sore elbow, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was hit by a pitch on the elbow Friday, and according to manager Rocco Baldelli, the outfielder is sore and dealing with some stiffness. Baldelli said that Kepler will probably "need a day or two," but the injury isn't considered to be a long-term concern.
Jun 12 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With lefty Austin Gomber toeing the slab for the Rockies, the left-handed-hitting Kepler will get a breather. Manuel Margot will handle right field for the Twins.
Jun 5 2024Kepler isn't in the Twins' lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Southpaw Carlos Rodon will toe the slab for New York on Wednesday, meaning the lefty-hitting Kepler will retreat to the bench to begin the game. His absence will allow Manuel Margot to start in right field while batting in the leadoff spot.
Jun 1 2024Kepler will sit Saturday versus the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will take a seat as Minnesota faces left-hander Framber Valdez on Saturday. Manuel Margot will replace Kepler in right field and bat leadoff against Houston.
May 30 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Thursday's contest being a day game after a night game, manager Rocco Baldelli will give rest to several key regulars. Along with Kepler, Edouard Julien, Alex Kirilloff and Trevor Larnach will rest as the Twins open up room in the lineup for reserves Manuel Margot, Kyle Farmer, Carlos Santana and Christian Vazquez.
May 28 2024Kepler is out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will avoid a matchup with southpaw Cole Ragans on Tuesday, a normal occurrence for the lefty-hitting outfielder. Manuel Margot will bat leadoff and play right field.
May 22 2024Kepler went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo homer and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler led off the second inning with a solo shot off Jake Irvin, giving the Twins an early lead, before adding a double in the ninth and scoring what turned out to be a crucial insurance run on a Ryan Jeffers base hit. Kepler had cooled off a bit after a fast start to the year -- he came into Wednesday stuck in a 3-for-16 slump. The 31-year-old outfielder is still slashing an impressive .311/.368/.544 with four homers, 18 RBI and 16 runs scored across 115 plate appearances this season.
May 21 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins are facing a lefty for the second straight day, meaning Kepler will give way to the righty-hitting Manuel Margot in right field. Kepler is slashing .303/.352/.505 across 108 plate appearances this season.
May 20 2024Kepler is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is one of several Twins players involved in a platoon, so he will yield to Manuel Margot in right field with the Nats starting left-hander Mitchell Parker. The left-handed hitting Kepler actually has a 1.050 OPS versus southpaws this season, although that's come over just 20 plate appearances.
May 18 2024Kepler isn't in the Twins' lineup for Saturday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Logan Allen will toe the slab for Cleveland on Saturday, meaning the lefty-hitting Kepler will retreat to the bench. Manuel Margot will take over in right field and bat sixth.
May 14 2024Kepler is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting Kepler is swinging a red-hot bat but will take a seat in this one with the Yankees starting southpaw Carlos Rodon. Manuel Margot will patrol right field.
May 10 2024Kepler is not listed as a starter for Friday's matchup against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw batter will get a break as Minnesota takes on left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi. Righty outfielder Manuel Margot will start at right field and bat fifth in place of Kepler.
May 9 2024Kepler went 2-for-4 with a home run, two total RBI and two total runs scored in Thursday's 11-1 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler extended his hitting streak to 11 games -- he's recorded at least one hit in 15 of his last 16 contests, going 23-for-53 (.434) in that span. It's been quite a start to the year for the 31-year-old Kepler. He's now slashing .329/.390/.562 with three homers, 14 RBI and 11 runs scored through his first 21 games.
Apr 29 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Monday's contest versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Garrett Crochet is toeing the slab for the White Sox, so the lefty-hitting Kepler will begin Monday's game on the bench. Kepler hasn't been a strict platoon bat in his career, but he has now been out of the lineup each of the four times the Twins have faced a southpaw since he returned from the 10-day injured list. Manuel Margot will get the start in right field Monday.
Apr 28 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is 8-for-19 with two doubles, a home run, seven RBI and four runs in six games since he returned from a bruised right knee Monday, but he'll take a seat Sunday with lefty Reid Detmers pitching for the Halos. Manuel Margot will man right field and bat third in the series finale at Los Angeles.
Apr 24 2024Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 3-for-8 with four RBI and a run scored while starting the first two games of the series following his return from the injured list, Kepler will get a breather Wednesday. Kepler doesn't appear to have suffered any setbacks in his recovery from a right knee contusion; instead, the lefty-hitting outfielder's absence Wednesday likely has more to do with southpaw Garrett Crochet being on the bump for Chicago.
Apr 22 2024Kepler went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored in Monday's win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was activated from the injured list for Monday's contest and wasted no time getting back to work. He ripped a two-run double in the first inning and added an RBI single in the third. He began the year in an ugly 1-for-20 slump before getting injured but went 4-for-10 with three walks in his brief rehab stint with Triple-A St. Paul.
Apr 21 2024Kepler (knee) is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list Monday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He was 4-for-10 with three walks in three games for Triple-A St. Paul on a rehab assignment. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler should return to the everyday lineup in right field, but it's not clear who will head to the bench. It's possible Trevor Larnach moves to DH while a struggling Carlos Santana gets less playing time and Alex Kirilloff sees action at first base.
Apr 17 2024Kepler (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was cleared to run the bases this week and came out of it well, paving the way for his return to game action. He's missed the last week-and-a-half of action with a right knee contusion. Kepler shouldn't need too many rehab at-bats before being activated.
Apr 15 2024Kepler (knee) will run the bases at Target field in the next day or two, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If he gets through that without any issues, he could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. Kepler has been sidelined for a little over a week with a right knee contusion. He shouldn't need too many rehab games before rejoining the Twins.
Apr 9 2024The Twins placed Kepler on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right knee contusion. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's unclear when exactly Kepler suffered the injury, though he hasn't seen the field since going 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout Saturday against the Guardians. The veteran outfielder doesn't have an official timetable for his return but will be eligible to be activated from the injured list April 17.
Apr 8 2024Kepler is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: James Paxton is the first lefty the Twins have gone up against since Opening Day. Kepler was in the lineup that day, but he'll take a seat in this one. Manuel Margot will handle right field.
Apr 2 2024Kepler (leg) is starting in right field and batting cleanup in Tuesday's game in Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed the last two games after fouling a ball of his right leg on Opening Day. The Twins hadn't previously ruled out a stint on the injured list, but Kepler apparently made some nice progress during Monday's off day and is back in there Tuesday.
Mar 31 2024Kepler (leg) was not available for Sunday's game and the Twins may consider an injured list stint if he's not ready to play by Tuesday, manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Twins do not play Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old fouled a ball off his right leg in Thursday's game, which resulted in his early departure. X-rays after the game came back as negative, but he didn't play in either game this weekend. The Twins initially said he would be fine, but the discussion about his injury sounded more ominous Sunday.
Mar 30 2024Kepler (leg) did not play in Saturday's win over Kansas City but Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said that Kepler was in the clear, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a little alarming that he wasn't in the lineup Saturday against a right-handed starter after a day off, but it sounds like he could return Sunday. Kepler fouled a ball off his right leg in Thursday's game and left early, but X-rays after the game came back negative.
Mar 28 2024Twins manager Rocco Baldelli noted after Thursday's 4-1 win over the Royals that X-rays on Kepler's right leg came back negative, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler managed to finish his at-bat after the foul ball, but he didn't take the field in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Twins have a scheduled day off Friday, which gives the team an extra day to see how Kepler feels ahead of Saturday's contest. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts before exiting Thursday.
Mar 25 2024Kepler (pectoral) will start in right field and bat sixth in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed a few days due a pectoral issue, and the Twins were concerned enough to order an MRI. However, nothing serious turned up, and Kepler's relatively quick return to action indicates he's in the clear for Opening Day. Despite persistent trade rumors over the last year or so, Kepler remains in Minnesota and projects to start against most opposing right-handers to begin 2024.
Mar 21 2024Kepler, who was scratched from Wednesday's spring training game due to left pectoral tightness, had an MRI that didn't reveal any major issues, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "It seems like [Kepler] is in a pretty good spot," said manager Rocco Baldelli. "We got some imaging done. We didn't find anything concerning on the imaging, which is great." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While it's a relief he's not facing a significant issue, it's a little worrisome that his sore pectoral warranted an MRI. Kepler will likely play sparingly in spring action the next week but sounds like he'll be ready for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2024Kepler was scratched from the Twins' Grapefruit League lineup Wednesday because of left pectoral tightness, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's not clear when or how Kepler suffered the injury, but it was clearly enough of an issue that he didn't feel well enough to give it a go Wednesday. Consider the outfielder day-to-day for the time being. Gabriel Gonzalez took Kepler's spot in right field.
Mar 3 2024Kepler went 1-for-3 with his first home run of the spring in Sunday's Grapefruit League tie with Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has gotten off to a somewhat slow start, as even with the homer he's still just 2-for-12 this spring, but the veteran doesn't need to worry about his job security. After another offseason of trade rumors, Kepler enters the spring as the Twins' starting right fielder. He could see fewer at-bats against left-handed pitching with the Twins signing right-handed-hitting Manuel Margot, but Kepler's .751 OPS against lefties last season continued a recent improvement against southpaws.
Nov 2 2023The Twins exercised Kepler's $10 million club option for 2024 on Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Coming off his best statistical season since 2019, Kepler will officially remain with the Twins for one more year as the team looks to repeat as AL Central champions. The 30-year-old outfielder slashed .260/.332/.484 with 24 homers and 66 RBI, and he will likely reprise his role as Minnesota's primary right fielder in 2024.
Sep 28 2023Kepler is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had started the previous three contests but will begin Thursday's afternoon tilt on the bench. Trevor Larnach is in right field for the Twins.
Sep 27 2023Kepler went 4-for-4 and scored a run in Wednesday's 6-4 victory versus Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler knocked four singles in the win, giving him his first four-hit performance of the season. He's been hitting well of late, collecting five multi-hit efforts over his past 13 games and batting .340 (17-for-50) with two homers, six RBI, 13 runs and a stolen base over that span. The late-season surge has lifted his batting average to .258 on the campaign, which is on pace to be a career-best mark.
Sep 25 2023Kepler went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer in Sunday's win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler mashed a two-run shot to right-center field in the seventh to give the Twins some breathing room by putting them up 6-3. Sunday was his third multi-hit effort in the last seven games but just his second home run in September. The 30-year-old leads the team with 23 long balls on the year and is now slashing .253/.324/.475 with 62 RBI, 67 runs and a 42:103 BB:K in 472 plate appearances.
Sep 23 2023Kepler will be on the bench Saturday against the Angels, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler might be getting the day off because the Angels are turning to a lefty (Kenny Rosenberg), or he might be getting it off because the Twins clinched a postseason berth Friday. Either way, it will be Matt Wallner who starts in right field.
Sep 17 2023Kepler is out of the lineup Sunday versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: When Kepler is not in the starting lineup there is typically a lefty on the mound. On Sunday, however, he is not in the lineup versus righty Dylan Cease. Andrew Stevenson will start in his place, batting seventh.
Sep 9 2023Kepler will sit against southpaw David Peterson and the Mets on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has now started against just one of the last seven lefties the Twins have faced. As has been the case for most of the second half, it will be platoon partner Matt Wallner who starts in right field.
Sep 2 2023Kepler is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler doesn't always sit against lefties, but he often does, and that will be the case with Jordan Montgomery starting for Texas. Jordan Luplow is picking up the start in left field while Matt Wallner moves to right field.
Aug 27 2023Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will bow out of the starting nine along with fellow left-handed hitter Edouard Julien while the Rangers bring southpaw Jordan Montgomery to the hill. Matt Wallner will fill in for Kepler in right field.
Aug 22 2023Kepler is not in the lineup Tuesday versus the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is not starting with lefty Wade Miley taking the mound for Milwaukee. Matt Wallner will take Kepler's spot in right field and bat eighth.
Aug 20 2023Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Pittsburgh's opener (Ryan Borucki) for Sunday's contest is a lefty, which will be enough to keep Kepler in the dugout to begin Sunday's contest. Matt Wallner (hand) will shift to right field while Jordan Luplow receives a start in left.
Aug 13 2023Kepler isn't in the Twins' lineup Sunday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With lefty Ranger Suarez starting on the mound for Philadelphia, the left-handed bat of Kepler will stay put in Minnesota's dugout to begin Sunday's contest. Matt Wallner will take Kepler's spot in right field and bat sixth.
Aug 9 2023Kepler (foot) will start in right field and bat third Wednesday in Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler didn't start in Tuesday's loss to the Tigers after exiting Monday's win following a hit-by-pitch on the right foot. He's feeling fine now and will step back into his usual spot in the outfield for the penultimate game of the series.
Aug 8 2023Kepler (foot) is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game in Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had to leave Monday's win over the Tigers in the eighth inning after being hit on the right foot by a pitch. All indications were that his removal was precautionary, so his absence from the lineup Tuesday could simply be due to Detroit starting left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez. Matt Wallner is in right field Tuesday.
Aug 5 2023Kepler went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored Saturday in a 12-1 victory versus Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler launched a 435-foot solo shot to center field in the sixth inning that gave the Twins a 10-1 lead. It was his second straight contest with a long ball, and the veteran outfielder has gone deep five times over 21 games since the All-Star break. Kepler is batting .320 (24-for-75) with 11 RBI and 16 runs over that stretch.
Jul 30 2023Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll take a seat for the series finale along with fellow left-handed hitters Edouard Julien and Joey Gallo. Kepler had started in each of Minnesota's last eight games, batting .303 with a home run, four doubles, seven runs and three RBI during that stretch.
Jul 20 2023Kepler is not in Thursday's lineup against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler, who is hitting .360 with two home runs over his last six games, will surprisingly go to the bench with righty George Kirby on the mound for Seattle. Matt Wallner, who also hits left-handed, is starting in right field and batting cleanup.
Jul 19 2023Kepler went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has found a groove against Mariners pitching, going 6-for-13 with two homers, two doubles and six RBI over his last three games. The outfielder is up to 14 long balls on the season while slashing .224/.291/.439 with 36 RBI and 32 runs scored through 70 contests. He's struggled to put together extended runs of success this year -- his active six-game hitting streak is his longest of the campaign.
Jul 17 2023Kepler went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and a double in Monday's 7-6 loss to the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler took Mariners reliever Ty Adcock deep in the ninth inning, but the Twins came up a run short. After logging four multi-hit efforts in a five-game span between June 30 and July 4, Kepler went just 3-for-26 across the next seven contests. The outfielder hasn't showed much consistency in 2023 with a .214/.283/.418 slash line, but he's up to 13 homers, 33 RBI, 29 runs scored and six doubles through 68 games.
Jul 2 2023Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins are going with a right-handed-heavy lineup to counter Orioles southpaw Cole Irvin, so Kepler and fellow left-handed hitters Joey Gallo and Edouard Julien will head to the bench. Willi Castro and Alex Kirilloff will serve as the Twins' starters in the corner outfield in place of Kepler and Gallo.
Jun 28 2023Kepler is not in Wednesday's lineup against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has made just three starts this season against southpaws, and he will head to the bench with lefty Kolby Allard on the hill for Atlanta. Joey Gallo will start in right field and bat ninth.
Jun 25 2023Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has found his power stroke of late with three homers in his past five games, but he finds himself on the bench for Sunday's series finale. Joey Gallo will move to right field while Willi Castro receives a start in left.
Jun 21 2023Kepler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in a 5-4 extra-inning win against Boston on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler produced Minnesota's first run of the contest with an RBI single in the second inning and swatted a solo shot in the sixth. It was the second straight game with a long ball for the veteran outfielder, and he's already matched his homer total over 115 games last season with nine through 48 contests in 2023. Kepler has struggled overall with a .200 batting average on the campaign, though 14 of his 31 hits have gone for extra bases.
Jun 19 2023Kepler is not in the starting lineup Monday versus Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will get a day off as the Twins face off with left-hander James Paxton on the mound Monday. Alex Kirilloff will take over in right field and bat fifth in the series opener with the Red Sox, although he's also a lefty bat.
Jun 17 2023Kepler remains on the bench for Saturday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler finds himself on the bench for the third straight game, though two of those have come against a lefty and one came against an opener. Still, Kepler's .192/.246/.370 season slash line would make a dip in playing time understandable. Alex Kirilloff starts in right field again Saturday.
Jun 16 2023Kepler is out of the lineup Friday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Joey Gallo, Michael Taylor and Alex Kirilloff will start across the outfield. Kepler has fallen into a .149/.184/.213 rut over his last 49 plate appearances dating back to May 29. That's the same day he returned from a two-week IL stint for a left hamstring strain.
Jun 13 2023Kepler isn't in the Twins' lineup Tuesday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler, who holds just a .427 OPS over the past two weeks, will get a day off to regroup Tuesday against Corbin Burnes and the Brewers. In his absence, Alex Kirilloff will start in right field, moving Joey Gallo into left field and Donovan Solano in as the Twins' first baseman while batting second.
Jun 9 2023Kepler is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler's OPS on the season is down to .627 following a 4-for-33 stretch at the plate since he returned from the injured list. Willi Castro will play right field Friday.
Jun 2 2023Kepler (head) is starting in right field for the Twins on Friday against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had to be removed from Thursday's game after experiencing migraines, but the issue seems to have subsided overnight. The 30-year-old outfielder is just 2-for-17 at the plate since returning from the injured list Monday.
Jun 1 2023Kepler was pulled from Thursday's game against the Guardians due to a migraine, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler recently returned from a stint on the 10-day injured list due to a hamstring injury. Luckily, his removal from Thursday's contest was unrelated, and Kepler will be day-to-day going forward.
May 29 2023The Twins reinstated Kepler (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Kepler landed on the IL on May 13 with the left hamstring strain, he was deemed ready to rejoin the big club without requiring a rehab assignment after he made steady progress in his running program over the past several days. He should immediately settle into a near-everyday role in right field, with his return likely to result in utility man Willi Castro losing out on some playing time. Prior to landing on the IL, Kepler was hitting .212 with six home runs, 17 runs and 14 RBI over 114 plate appearances on the season.
May 28 2023Kepler (hamstring) will be reinstated from the 10-day injured list Monday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has been on the IL since May 13 due to a strained left hamstring, and he'll be able to rejoin the Twins without a rehab assignment. Prior to his absence, he hit .212 with six homers, 17 runs and 14 RBI over 28 games. Kyle Garlick and Matt Wallner will be sent down to make room for Kepler and Royce Lewis (knee).
May 26 2023Kepler (hamstring) hit pregame on the field before Friday's game, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had been reportedly running at 70 percent on May 20 and his return appeared imminent, but Friday's report doesn't appear to be a significant step forward. Still, it's not clear when he may return and it's possible he could return in the next few days. However, he may need a short rehab assignment since he's been out since May 11.
May 20 2023Kepler (hamstring) ran at 70 percent before Friday's game against the Angels, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has been on the injured list since last Saturday after suffering a left hamstring strain. The outfielder doesn't have a clear timeline, but the fact he's already running is a positive development in his chance to return relatively soon. The question will be whether Kepler will need a rehab assignment before he's able to patrol the outfield for the Twins. Either way, it sounds like he has a chance to help the team before June.
May 13 2023Kepler was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a left hamstring strain, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was removed from Thursday's game with what was labeled a leg cramp, and he appeared as a pinch hitter Friday, but the team will give Kepler time to let the injury fully heal. Trevor Larnach was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul as a corresponding move
May 12 2023Kepler (leg) is not in the lineup Friday against the Cubs, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler made an early exit from Thursday's series finale versus the Padres due to a leg cramp, though he might have been sitting Friday either way with left-hander Drew Smyly on the bump for Chicago. Minnesota will go righty-heavy in the opening game of a three-game weekend set. Kepler could be available off the bench.
May 11 2023Kepler was removed from Thursday's win over the Padres due to a leg cramp, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler looked a bit uncomfortable while running down the first base line in the bottom of the seventh inning, just after tying the game with an RBI fielder's choice. It doesn't sound like anything too serious. Consider him day-to-day heading into the Twins' three-game weekend series against the Cubs.
May 10 2023Kepler went 2-for-5 with a solo home run, a double and three total runs scored in Wednesday's 4-3 extra-innings win over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler made an early impact with a solo shot in the first inning. He also doubled and scored on a Carlos Correa double in the third. In the 11th, Kepler was the initial runner and scored the winning run on an Alex Kirilloff single. After going 0-for-8 over his last two games, this was a strong bounce-back for Kepler, who has swatted three of his six homers this year over his last five contests. He's slashing .223/.312/.468 with 13 RBI, 17 runs scored and no stolen bases through 109 plate appearances.
Apr 29 2023Kepler went 1-for-2 with a homer, a walk, two RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 8-6 victory over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has started to heat up since returning from the injured list in mid-April for a sore knee. He's hitting .305 (11-for-36) with two home runs in his last 10 games.
Apr 28 2023Kepler is starting in right field and batting leadoff for the Twins in Friday's game versus the Royals, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is sporting just a .276 on-base percentage on the season but is making his team-leading 10th start in the leadoff spot. He and the Twins will be squaring off against right-hander Jordan Lyles.
Apr 5 2023Kepler (knee) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will be on the bench for the second game in a row while he recovers from patellar tendinitis in his right knee, an injury that flared up in Monday's 11-1 win. With lefty Jesus Luzardo on the bump for Miami in the series finale, the lefty-hitting Kepler might have been a candidate to sit out anyway even if he hadn't been dealing with the knee injury. Fortunately for Kepler, manager Rocco Baldelli has suggested that the patellar tendinitis isn't a major concern, so the outfielder could be ready to go as soon as Friday's game against the Astros.
Apr 4 2023An MRI showed Kepler has patellar tendinitis in his right knee, MLB.com reports. "Nothing major on there," manager Rocco Baldelli said. "We'll see how he shows up tomorrow." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had to leave Monday's contest after feeling something in his right knee when he landed on the first-base bag. He did not play Tuesday. It would be surprising to see Kepler play Wednesday with the Twins set to have an off day Thursday.
Apr 3 2023Kepler likely won't start Tuesday against the Marlins, but he will test his sore knee on the field before the game, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler left Monday's game after feeling something in his right knee when he hit the first base bag while running out a hit. The Twins don't expect it to be a long-term issue. Kepler went 2-for-3 with a solo home run prior to suffering the injury.
Mar 30 2023Kepler is starting in left field and batting leadoff Opening Day at Kansas City. Kepler's use in the leadoff spot is more than a one-day assignment, manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Joey Gallo appeared set to hit leadoff based on his use in late spring lineups and could alternate the leadoff spot based on matchups. Kepler has hit better (3-for-10) against Opening Day starter Zack Greinke than Gallo (0-for-17). Minnesota's batting order and leadoff spot could be in flux much of the season as Baldelli may play matchups each day. Kepler may also get the leadoff nod because he hit .382 in spring training with a 1.094 OPS. He missed a few days with a sore hip last week, but returned and played in the final few games of spring training.
Mar 25 2023Kepler (hip) started in right field and went 1-for 2 in Saturday's spring training loss to Atlanta. He's hitting .357 (10-for-28) with two home runs this spring. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was removed from Sunday's spring game against Atlanta due to left hip tightness, but it shouldn't be an issue for Opening Day. Kepler was the subject of trade talk over the winter, but he looks set to begin the season as the starting right fielder. He's a candidate to benefit from the ban on shifts since he's a pull hitter who hits too many ground balls. His 2019 season (when he hit 36 home runs) featured a Pull% of 50.8 percent compared to just 41.7 percent last season.
Mar 19 2023Kepler was removed from Sunday's spring game against Atlanta due to left hip tightness, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler went 0-for-1 before being replaced in the field after the third inning. The 30-year-old was the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason but has remained in Minnesota, and he's hit well during spring training with a .360/.448/.720 slash line and two home runs. It's unclear if the hip issue will affect his availability for Opening Day, which is less than two weeks away.
Mar 13 2023Kepler went 2-for-3 with his first home run of spring training in Monday's win over the Yankees. He's hitting .400 (8-for-20) this spring. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was the subject of trade talk over the winter, but he looks set to begin the season as the starting right fielder. He's a candidate to benefit from the ban on shifts since he's a pull hitter who hits too many ground balls. His 2019 season (when he hit 36 home runs) featured a Pull% of 50.8 percent compared to just 41.7 percent last season.
Feb 2 2023Minnesota plans to move forward with Kepler on the roster after the team didn't find enough interest on the trade market, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler seemingly was on the way out of Minnesota after the Twins signed Joey Gallo, but Hayes writes that trade interest in Kepler "hasn't been there" and the team now plans to hang on to the veteran outfielder. The trade of Luis Arraez did free up more playing time, and it's probably not a bad idea to keep Kepler around given Gallo's uncertain outlook and the injury history of Alex Kirilloff.
Sep 17 2022Kepler was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist sprain Saturday, retroactive to Sept. 14, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed the last four games due to a leg contusion, and he's apparently also dealing with a wrist injury that will keep him sidelined for at least another week. Since the move was backdated to Wednesday, he'll be eligible to return as early as next weekend. Matt Wallner was called up as part of a move to provide an extra outfielder for the Twins in Kepler's absence.
Sep 15 2022Kepler (leg) isn't in the lineup Thursday against Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is on the bench for a third consecutive game due to a right leg contusion, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be available off the bench Thursday. Jake Cave is starting in right field and batting ninth.
Sep 14 2022Kepler (leg) isn't starting Wednesday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler continues to deal with a right leg contusion and will be held out of the lineup for a second consecutive game. Jake Cave will take over in right field and bat eighth.
Sep 13 2022Kepler (leg) is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was removed from Sunday's game due to a leg contusion, and it's possible he is just being held out Tuesday due to a southpaw (Kris Bubic) being on the hill for Kansas City. Kyle Garlick will start in right field and bat third.
Sep 11 2022The Twins announced that Kepler was removed after two innings of Sunday's game against the Guardians due to a right leg contusion, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The diagnosis comes as positive news, as Kepler was feared to have suffered an aggravation of the hip injury that kept him out of the lineup for five games before he returned to the starting nine in Saturday's loss. According to Helfand, Kepler suffered the bruised leg during his lone plate appearance of the day, when he fouled a ball off himself. He can be considered day-to-day heading into the Twins' series opener with the Royals on Tuesday.
Sep 10 2022Kepler (hip) went 0-for-5 in Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was out of the lineup for five games with the hip injury. In his return, he was one of two Twins starters to fail to record a hit, with Gary Sanchez the other one. Kepler has hit .227 with a .668 OPS, nine home runs, 43 RBI, 54 runs scored and three stolen bases through 114 contests. He should resume his role as the Twins' starting right fielder despite batting .156 (3-for-19) in September.
Sep 9 2022Kepler (hip) isn't in the lineup Friday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will be on the bench for a fifth consecutive game due to a hip injury, but he appeared off the bench Monday and Wednesday. Whether he's available in a depth role Friday remains to be seen, but Jake Cave will start in right field and bat seventh.
Sep 8 2022Kepler (hip) isn't starting Thursday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will remain out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game as he continues to manage a hip injury, though he's appeared off the bench in two of the last three matchups. Kyle Garlick is starting in right field and leading off Thursday.
Sep 7 2022Kepler (hip) is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was scratched from the lineup Monday due to hip tightness and is absent from the starting nine for both games of Wednesday's twin bill. Kyle Garlick will take over in right field and bat sixth for Minnesota in Game 2.
Sep 5 2022The Twins scratched Kepler from the lineup ahead of Monday's game against the Yankees due to hip tightness, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Helfand, Kepler is expected to be available off the bench, so his hip issue looks to be a day-to-day concern. Kyle Garlick was a late addition to the lineup and will cover right field and bat sixth in Kepler's stead.
Sep 4 2022Kepler went 2-for-5 with a run scored in Sunday's victory over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler recorded his fourth multi-hit game in his last eight with two base hits Sunday. The stretch has increased his season average from .225 to .232 as he is starting to look healthy again after slashing .141/.179/.188 in his first 17 games after returning from the IL with a toe injury. He appears locked into the middle of manager Rocco Baldelli's lineup and could be valuable in deeper fantasy formats down the stretch.
Aug 27 2022Kepler went 2-for-2 with three walks and a run scored in Saturday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler reached hit two singles and added a pair of walks in the first nine innings, including scoring the Twins' first run in the ninth. He was intentionally walked to load the bases with no outs in the 10th, and that plan backfired for the Giants. It's been a rather quiet August for Kepler, who has just three multi-hit efforts in 18 games, batting .167 (11-for-66) with six walks and 12 strikeouts in that span. Overall, he's slashing .229/.325/.357 with nine home runs, three steals, 42 RBI and 47 runs scored through 103 contests.
Aug 26 2022Kepler isn't starting Friday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is getting a breather after he went 0-for-7 with a walk over the last two games. Kyle Garlick will take his place in right field and lead off.
Aug 18 2022Kepler went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's Kepler's first steal since May 21 and only his third of the year after he swiped a career-high 10 in 2021. It's at least a good sign that the 29-year-old is fully recovered from the toe injury that landed him on the IL in late July, as is the single -- after an 0-for-27 stretch following his activation, Kepler's gone 4-for-12 in his last three games.
Aug 15 2022Kepler went 3-for-4 with one double, one RBI and one run scored in Monday's win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler broke out of an 0-for-27 skid since returning from the injured list in a big way Monday, recording three hits to help Minnesota record the win. The Twins' outfielder has been a letdown so far, but he has underperformed both his xBA and his xSLG by 46 points. For fantasy managers seeking outfield help, Kepler could be a sneaky buy-low candidate to plug into lineups down the stretch.
Aug 14 2022Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has started all six games since returning from the injured list last weekend, but he'll take a seat Sunday after going 0-for-25 with a walk and a run. Jake Cave will man right field in the series finale versus the Halos.
Aug 6 2022Kepler (toe) went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed nearly two weeks with a broken toe, and he didn't partake in a rehab assignment prior to returning from the injured list. The 29-year-old should resume a role as the starting right fielder versus right-handed pitchers. His 0-fer Saturday dropped his slash line to .241/.340/.385 through 86 games this season.
Aug 4 2022Manager Rocco Baldelli said Thursday that it's "possible" Kepler (toe) is activated from the 10-day injured list sometime this weekend, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has been running, hitting and throwing recently and felt good after working in the outfield Wednesday. The 29-year-old is eligible to return as early as Saturday, and he's closing in on his activation. Once Kepler is reinstated from the injured list, he should reclaim regular playing time in the Twins' outfield.
Jul 30 2022Kepler (toe) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to July 27, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was out of the lineup for the last three games due to a fractured pinky toe, and the issue will force him to spend time on the injured list. Since the move was backdated, the 29-year-old should be eligible to return as early as next weekend. However, it's not yet clear when the Twins expect Kepler to return. Kyle Garlick and Gilberto Celestino should see additional playing time in right field while Kepler is sidelined.
Jul 29 2022Kepler (toe) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old is out of the starting nine for the third straight game while dealing with a displaced fracture of his right pinkie toe. Kepler is considered day-to-day for now since the injury is believed to be mild, but a trip to the injured list is also likely being considered. Gilberto Celestino will start in right field Friday.
Jul 27 2022Kepler (toe) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Brewers, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will be on the bench for the second straight game with a displaced fracture of his right pinkie toe, but the injury is viewed as mild and isn't on a weight-bearing part of his foot. With that in mind, the Twins are holding out hope that Kepler won't require a trip to the injured list, but he'll likely need to show some improvement coming out of Thursday's off day to avoid being deactivated. Kyle Garlick will pick up a second straight start in the corner outfield Wednesday in Kepler's stead.
Jul 26 2022Kepler, who is out of the lineup Tuesday in Milwaukee, is considered day-to-day after being diagnosed with a mildly displaced fracture of his right pinky toe, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old suffered the injury Sunday when he was hit by a pitch, and he may be able to avoid a trip to the injured list since it's not in a weight-bearing part of his foot. Kepler will test things out over the next couple days to determine whether or not he'll be able to play through the injury.
Jul 24 2022Kepler was diagnosed with a bruised right fifth toe after exiting Sunday's game against the Tigers, Megan Ryan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old was hit by a pitch during the third inning and was replaced by a pinch runner. Kepler will have Minnesota's scheduled day off Monday to aid in his recovery before Tuesday's series opener against the Brewers.
Jul 14 2022Kepler (knee) is starting Thursday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler wasn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers due to a bruised right knee, but he appeared off the bench and went 2-for-2 with a double and a run. The 29-year-old will start in right field and bat cleanup during Thursday's series opener against the White Sox.
Jul 13 2022Kepler isn't starting Wednesday's game against Milwaukee after exiting in the seventh inning of Tuesday's 6-3 loss with a bruised right knee, Dave Campbell of the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler appeared to pick up the injury when he fouled a ball off his knee in the bottom of the sixth inning. He was able to finish out the plate appearance and went 0-for-3 before he was lifted in the top of the seventh inning. Considering that southpaw Aaron Ashby is on the hill, the lefty-hitting Kepler -- who hasn't started against another lefty since June 17 -- may have been excluded from the lineup even if he hadn't picked up the injury Tuesday. Kyle Garlick will step in as the Twins' right fielder in the series finale, but Kepler could be ready to rejoin the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.
Jul 9 2022Kepler isn't starting Saturday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is getting a day off after he went 5-for-13 with a homer, two runs, two RBI, a walk and two strikeouts over the last three games. Kyle Garlick is taking over in right field and batting third.
Jun 29 2022Kepler went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 7-6 extra-inning loss to the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler's blast in the 10th inning extended the Twins' lead to 6-3, but the Guardians were able to rally for a walkoff win. It's been a lackluster June for Kepler, who has gone 16-for-79 (.206) in 21 contests this month. He's up to eight homers, 35 RBI, 33 runs scored, two stolen bases and a .240/.342/.402 slash line across 269 plate appearances overall.
Jun 28 2022Kepler is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler went 0-for-3 with a walk during the 3-2 loss in Game 1 of Tuesday's twin bill, and he'll take a seat for the nightcap with lefty Konnor Pilkington pitching for Cleveland. Kyle Garlick will man right field and bat third in Game 2.
Jun 27 2022Kepler went 2-for-4 with an RBI double, an RBI single and a run scored in Sunday's win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler singled home Byron Buxton in the first inning, then doubled him home in the seventh. Kepler also reached home on a Gio Urshela single in the first. The outfielder has struggled to stay consistent this month, slashing .209/.308/.313 and hitting just one home run. He began June with a .253 batting average and now sits at .244.
Jun 22 2022Kepler went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, two walks and two total runs scored in Wednesday's 11-10 loss to the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler went nearly a month between homers, as his last long ball was May 23 against the Tigers. He snapped the power drought with a solo shot in the fifth inning Wednesday. The outfielder is now slashing .244/.342/.405 with seven homers, 31 RBI, 29 runs scored and a pair of stolen bases in 60 contests.
Jun 12 2022Kepler is not in Sunday's lineup against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is hitting .250 with zero home runs and zero steals in 36 at-bats over his last 10 games. Gilberto Celestino will start in right field and bat seventh.
Jun 6 2022Kepler was reinstated from the restricted list Monday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed last weekend's three-game series in Toronto since he is unvaccinated for COVID-19 and was unable to enter Canada. He should return to the lineup Tuesday against the Yankees.
Jun 3 2022Kepler (not injury related) was placed on the restricted list Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins are headed to Toronto for a three-game series against the Blue Jays this weekend, and it appears Kepler is unvaccinated and unable to enter Canada. He should be back for the following series against the Yankees, which begins Tuesday. Kyle Garlick and Nick Gordon should receive more playing time in the outfield this weekend for Minnesota with Kepler unavailable.
Jun 1 2022Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Tarik Skubal on the bump for Detroit, the lefty-hitting Kepler will head to the bench as the Twins clear a spot in right field for Trevor Larnach. Before he sat out the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader, Kepler was instrumental in the Twins' 8-2 victory in Game 1, as he went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, three RBI and two runs.
May 31 2022Kepler is out of the lineup for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was on the bench for two straight contests due to quadriceps tightness before returning to the lineup as the Twins' designated hitter for the early game Tuesday. He ignited the Twins to an 8-2 win by going 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, three RBI and two runs and didn't appear to suffer any setbacks with his quad during the contest, so he's likely just sitting for maintenance purposes in the nightcap.
May 30 2022Kepler (quadriceps) is out of the lineup again Monday as the Twins take on the Tigers, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Reports from Sunday suggested Kepler would avoid the injured list, but he still doesn't feel strong enough to start Monday and will miss his second straight contest. If he isn't cleared to play in Tuesday's doubleheader, the Twins could decide he needs the injured list after all, per Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Trevor Larnach is starting in right field and batting fifth.
May 29 2022Kepler (quadriceps) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals, but he'll avoid the injured list for now since he's feeling better, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler underwent an MRI after exiting Saturday's game with quad tightness, but he apparently avoided a serious injury. Trevor Larnach, Royce Lewis and Kyle Garlick will start from left to right in the outfield Sunday, while Byron Buxton serves as the designated hitter.
May 28 2022Kepler will undergo an MRI on his right leg, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler exited Saturday's game against the Royals with what was originally called merely right leg tightness. The Twins apparently fear that he could be dealing with a more serious injury, and a trip to the injured list is a possibility depending on the results of the test.
May 26 2022Kepler isn't starting Thursday against Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will get a breather after he started in the last eight games and hit .269 with a homer, a double, eight runs, seven RBI and a stolen base. Gilberto Celestino will take over in right field and bat ninth.
May 23 2022Kepler went 1-for-4 with a grand slam, a walk and two runs in Monday's 5-4 win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler launched a grand slam off Elvin Rodriguez in the first inning, delivering the Twins an early 4-0 lead. He later drew a walk and scored on Gio Urshela's walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning. The homer was his sixth of the year and first of the month. It was the fifth time in six contests where the outfielder reached base multiple times, batting .350 with a homer, a double and seven RBI over that stretch. The hot streak has raised his season-long average to .262 while he has six home runs, 22 RBI, 19 runs and two stolen bases over 40 games.
May 16 2022Kepler is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins will deploy a righty-heavy lineup to counter Athletics southpaw Zach Logue, ending a streak of 10 consecutive starts for the lefty-hitting Kepler, who turned in a .606 OPS over that stretch. Gilberto Celestino will replace Kepler in right field.
May 5 2022Kepler (illness) is starting in right field and batting cleanup Thursday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler sat out Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's game due to an illness, but he'll retake the field for Thursday's series finale. The 29-year-old is 3-for-18 with a home run, a double and four RBI over his past six games.
May 4 2022Kepler (illness) isn't starting Wednesday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was removed from Tuesday's game against Baltimore since he was feeling under the weather, and he'll be out of the lineup for at least one game. Whether he's available off the bench remains to be seen, but Trevor Larnach will shift to right field while Nick Gordon starts in left.
May 3 2022Kepler was removed from Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Orioles since he was feeling under the weather, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler went 0-for-2 with a strikeout prior to being replaced in the field for the bottom of the fifth inning. The 28-year-old tested negative for COVID-19 and should be considered day-to-day.
May 1 2022Kepler went 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBI in Saturday's 9-1 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old didn't even start the game, but after coming on as a defensive sub in the sixth inning, Kepler still had time to contribute an RBI single in the seventh and a two-run blast off Javy Guerra in the ninth, his fifth homer through 21 contests. Kepler is having a strong start to the season thanks largely to a significant improvement in his plate discipline, as his .372 OBP, 12.8 percent walk rate and 15.4 percent strikeout rate are all on pace to be career bests.
Apr 30 2022Kepler isn't starting Saturday's game against the Rays, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler started against a pair of left-handed pitchers recently and hasn't been in a strict platoon role this season, but he'll get a day off with southpaw Shane McClanahan starting for the Rays on Saturday. Gilberto Celestino will start in right field and bat ninth.
Apr 26 2022Kepler went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an RBI double in Tuesday's win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler doubled off Eduardo Rodriguez in the bottom of the second inning, driving in Kyle Garlick. He later took Rodriguez deep in his next at-bat in fourth, scoring Gio Urshela in the process. The homer was Kepler's second of the season and first in his last 14 games.
Apr 20 2022Kepler isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Daniel Lynch is starting for the Royals on Wednesday, so Kepler will retreat to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Kyle Garlick will start in right field and bat fourth.
Apr 18 2022Kepler is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Red Sox, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Kepler will retreat to the bench for the series finale with southpaw Rich Hill on the bump for Boston. Kyle Garlick will check in for Kepler in right field.
Apr 13 2022Kepler went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, a run and an RBI in Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler turned in his best game of the young season in the loss, raising his on-base average by 116 points in the process. The lefty-hitting Kepler will be back in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale, starting in right field while batting sixth against Dodgers southpaw Clayton Kershaw.
Apr 9 2022Kepler will start in right field and bat seventh in Saturday's game against the Mariners, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In Friday's season-opening 2-1 loss to Seattle, the lefty-hitting Kepler slotted ninth in the order while the Mariners brought southpaw Robbie Ray to the hill. Even though Seattle is sending a right-hander in Logan Gilbert to the mound for the second game of the series, Kepler won't get much of an upgrade in terms of lineup positioning. Though he looks to be an everyday player for Minnesota, Kepler may have to settle for a bottom-third spot in the order against both left- and right-handed pitching when the lineup is at full strength.
Oct 2 2021Kepler isn't starting Saturday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler drew starts in each of the last five games and went 4-for-18 with two RBI, a run and a walk. Jake Cave will take his place in right field and bat ninth.
Sep 26 2021Kepler (illness) is batting fifth and playing right field Sunday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder had pinch hit in Saturday's game, indicating he was likely ready to return to the lineup after missing Friday's game with an illness. Kepler's hitting .219 in his last 10 games, and those numbers would be much worse if not for a 3-for-4, two-homer performance Wednesday against the Cubs.
Sep 25 2021Kepler (illness) is not in Saturday's lineup against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He exited Thursday's game with a non-COVID illness and is yet to return to action. Brent Rooker will start in right field while Nick Gordon gets the nod in left.
Sep 24 2021Kepler (illness) won't start Friday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler left Thursday's game with a non-COVID illness, and it looks as though he's still too sick to play. Brent Rooker will start in right field.
Sep 23 2021Kepler exited Thursday's game with a non-COVID 19 illness, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was replaced by Luis Arraez in the fifth inning. It's unclear what the specific illness is, though so long as Kepler continues to test negative for COVID-19 he could return at some point during the team's weekend series against the Blue Jays.
Sep 22 2021Kepler went 3-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI, three runs scored and a double Wednesday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler powered the Twins' offense by delivering a home run in each of his first two at-bats in the game. He now 19 homers on the season, though he has gone yard only three times since Aug. 17 -- a span of 28 games. Kepler has maintained a disappointing .213/.312/.428 line across 462 plate appearances, but he has now turned in consecutive three-hit performances.
Sep 14 2021Kepler is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler went 0-for-2 with a walk in Game 1 and will now take a seat for the nightcap. Rob Refsnyder and Nick Gordon will start in the corner outfield spots versus Cleveland lefty Logan Allen.
Sep 12 2021Kepler is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler homered in a 2-for-3 effort Saturday and is now hitting .206 with three doubles, a home run and two RBI in his last 10 games. Rob Refsnyder is starting in right field and batting second Sunday.
Sep 11 2021Kepler went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk Saturday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler extended the Minnesota lead to 4-1 in the fourth inning when he took Kansas City starter Brady Singer over the wall right-center field. It was the 17th long ball of the year for Kepler and first since Aug. 16, snapping his 18-game homerless drought. The 28-year-old hit just .175 with a .567 OPS during that stretch, dropping his season numbers to .209 and .732, respectively.
Sep 6 2021Kepler is out of the lineup for Monday's game against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Kepler will head to the bench for the series opener with a southpaw (Logan Allen) on the bump for Cleveland. Platoon mate Rob Refsnyder replaces Kepler in right field.
Sep 1 2021Kepler isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler went 2-for-6 with a double and two walks across the last two games and will get a day off with left-hander Justin Steele starting for the Cubs on Wednesday. Rob Refsnyder will start in right field and bat third.
Aug 29 2021Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Kepler will take a seat Sunday with southpaw Aaron Ashby on the hill for Milwaukee. Rob Refsnyder will cover right field in Kepler's stead.
Aug 26 2021Kepler isn't starting Thursday against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler started each of the last three games and went 3-for-13 with a triple, a run, a walk and a strikeout. Rob Refsnyder will take his place in right field and lead off.
Aug 20 2021Kepler is out of the lineup Friday against the Yankees, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is 1-for-13 over his past three games and will take a seat Friday with lefty Nestor Cortes pitching for New York. Rob Refsnyder, Nick Gordon and Jake Cave will start from left to right in the outfield.
Aug 16 2021Kepler went 1-for-3 with a home run, three walks, two runs scored and two RBI in Monday's 5-4 win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler got the Twins on the board early with his leadoff shot against Cal Quantrill. He drew three walks in the win and eventually scored the game-winning run in the 10th inning. Over the last three games, Kepler has gone 4-for-9 with seven walks, eight runs scored and four extra-base hits. His season slash line is up to .211/.307/.439 through 84 games.
Aug 14 2021Kepler went 1-for-3 with a solo homer, two walks and three runs scored in Saturday's 12-0 thrashing of the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler greeted Tampa Bay starter Michael Wacha with a leadoff home run on Saturday night. Even with the dinger, the German-born right fielder is having a tough time in August, hitting just .179 with three RBI.
Aug 13 2021Kepler is not in the lineup Friday against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will head to the bench against Tampa Bay lefty Shane McClanahan after starting the past six games and going 4-for-23 during that stretch. Brent Rooker, Rob Refsnyder and Trevor Larnach will start from left to right in the outfield for Minnesota.
Aug 5 2021Kepler is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Framber Valdez twirling for Houston, the lefty-hitting Kepler will take a seat, clearing a spot in right field for Trevor Larnach. Kepler had started each of the Twins' last four games, going 2-for-17 with a pair of doubles and two runs.
Jul 30 2021Kepler will sit Friday against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler hits the bench against lefty Wade LeBlanc. Trevor Larnach starts in right field in his absence.
Jul 25 2021Kepler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler cranked a solo shot off Jaime Barria to give the Twins a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Unfortunately for Minnesota, Kepler was the only batter to record multiple hits in the game. He has homered three times in his past six contests. The 28-year-old is slashing .220/.309/.458 with 13 long balls, 38 RBI, 36 runs and eight steals in 269 plate appearances.
Jul 22 2021Kepler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, an additional run scored and a walk in Wednesday's 7-2 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler slammed a solo shot off Dylan Cease in the third inning for the first run of the game. He reached base safely three times this game and five times over the last two contests. The 28-year-old is slashing .217/.306/.457 with 12 homers, 37 RBI, 34 runs and eight steals over 252 plate appearances. Despite the recent success, he's still hitting only .174 over his last seven games.
Jul 21 2021Kepler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a steal in Tuesday's 9-5 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler got the Twins on the board with a solo shot to right field off of Dallas Keuchel in the second inning. The 28-year-old later notched a base hit in the eighth and swiped his eighth bag of the year. Kepler was hitless over his last five games entering Tuesday but was able to notch his fifth multi-hit effort this month and also recorded his first steal since June 21. He's had a pretty disappointing year overall, slashing .212/.300/.442 with 11 homers, 36 RBI, 32 runs scored, eight steals and a 26:55 BB:K over 247 plate appearances.
Jul 9 2021Kepler went 2-for-3 with a two-run triple in Friday's 4-2 win over Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler capped off a four-run sixth inning by driving in two runs with third triple of the year. In seven games so far this month, the 28-year-old has gone 9-for-24 (.375) with five extra-base hits and six RBI. He's slashing .221/.312/.453 with 33 RBI through 218 plate appearances this season.
Jul 6 2021Kepler went 2-for-3 with two homers, a walk, three RBI and three runs in Monday's 8-5 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old has had a rough season to date, but Kepler may be finding his groove heading into the All-Star break, as he's slugged three of his nine homers on the year over the last two contests. Even with that power surge, he's slashing just .200/.308/.489 through 12 games since returning from a hamstring strain in mid-June.
Jul 3 2021Kepler is on the bench for Saturday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler, hitting just .160 in 50 at-bats against lefties this season, takes a seat as the Twins match up against southpaw Danny Duffy. The outfielder went 1-for-4 with a run and three strikeouts Friday. Gilberto Celestino fills in at center field for the afternoon matchup.
Jul 1 2021Kepler isn't starting Thursday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has gone just 1-for-14 with a double, a run, an RBI, two walks and six strikeouts across his last four appearances, and he'll retreat to the bench for the second time in the last four games. Gilberto Celestino will start in center field and bat eighth.
Jun 27 2021Kepler is not in the starting lineup Sunday against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder will sit against southpaw Sam Hentges as Luis Arraez, Gilberto Celestino and Trevor Larnach man the outfield from left to right. Kepler is just 4-for-28, including 11 strikeouts, since returning from a hamstring injury June 18.
Jun 26 2021Kepler isn't starting Saturday's game against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will get a breather after he went 0-for-8 with four strikeouts across the last two games. Luis Arraez, Gilberto Celestino and Trevor Larnach will start in the outfield from left to right.
Jun 22 2021Kepler went 2-for-4 with two walks, a run scored and a stolen base in Monday's 7-5 extra-innings win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The steal was his seventh of the year in seven attempts, setting a new career high, while the multi-hit effort was Kepler's first in four games since returning from the IL. His .211/.310/.401 slash line on the season remains poor, but he's provided some fantasy value with five homers, 22 runs and 24 RBI through 41 contests in addition to his stolen bases.
Jun 18 2021Kepler (hamstring) went 0-for-5 with an RBI and two strikeouts in Friday's 7-5 extra-inning win over Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler hit into a fielder's choice that led to Minnesota's second of three runs in the first inning. It was an otherwise disappointing return for the outfielder after he missed nearly three weeks with a left hamstring strain. The 28-year-old is slashing just .204/.293/.409 with five home runs, 23 RBI, 20 runs scored and five stolen bases through 157 plate appearances. He should resume an everyday role in right field, likely forcing Alex Kirilloff to compete for playing time in left field or at first base.
Jun 16 2021Kepler (hamstring) could be activated from the injured list for Friday's game against the Rangers, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Barring any setbacks, Kepler is a couple days from appearing in his first game with the Twins since May 29.
Jun 13 2021Kepler (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Saint Paul, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has been on the injured list since May 30 with a left hamstring strain. He ran the bases Saturday and will begin a rehab stint Sunday, which manager Rocco Baldelli said will last "a few days," per Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. Given that timeline, Kepler could return by the final game of the series against Seattle on Wednesday and will almost certainly be back for Friday's series opener against Texas, assuming all goes well during his time with St. Paul.
Jun 4 2021Kepler (hamstring) is on track for a return next week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Rocco Baldelli said he didn't think Kepler would be out longer than 10 to 14 days after he went on the injured list on May 30. Still, a report that Kepler is running with out problems may be needed to be fully confident of that timetable.
May 30 2021Kepler (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old has battled the hamstring injury throughout May and will end up on the injured list after being pulled from Saturday's contest with a mild strain. Manager Rocco Baldelli indicated there's a chance Kepler will be able to return when first eligible June 9, though that's hardly guaranteed.
May 29 2021Kepler (hamstring) could require time on the injured list, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was initially labeled as day-to-day after he left Saturday's game against the Royals with a mild left hamstring strain, but manager Rocco Baldelli said after the game that he expects the outfielder to miss time. Trevor Larnach and Kyle Garlick could see increased playing time in the outfield if Kepler is unavailable.
May 28 2021Kepler's absence Friday against the Royals is due to a lingering hamstring issue, but the Twins hope he can avoid the injured list, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed a game due to the injury in mid-May and dealt with an unspecified injury Monday, which now appears to be the same hamstring problem. The Twins intend to manage him carefully for now, giving him frequent rest, but it's certainly possible the problem reaches the point where a trip to the injured list is required.
May 25 2021Kepler is batting leadoff as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An undisclosed injury forced Kepler to leave Sunday's game early and miss Monday's contest entirely, so his return to the lineup suggests he's recovered from whatever was limiting him the past couple days. The outfielder has been on a hot streak of late, hitting .308 with two homers and nine RBI in his last seven games.
May 24 2021Kepler (undisclosed) isn't starting Monday's game against the Orioles, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Rocco Baldelli said Sunday that Kepler was "barely able to play" due to an unspecified injury, and he'll get a day off Monday. Kyle Garlick will start in right field while Rob Refsnyder takes over in center.
May 23 2021Manager Rocco Baldelli said Sunday that Kepler was "barely able to play" in the win over Cleveland due to an unspecified injury, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Sunday's win, but Kyle Garlick pinch hit for him in the bottom of the seventh inning since Kepler was unable to sprint. The nature of the 28-year-old's injury isn't yet known, but Trevor Larnach could see increased playing time if Kepler misses additional time.
May 21 2021Kepler went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI, two runs scored and a walk in Friday's win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler might have recorded just one hit, but he made it count -- his two-run double scored Andrelton Simmons and Luis Arraez in the top of the fourth. The veteran outfielder has hit safely in two straight games and has reached base safely in four of his last five appearances.
May 20 2021Kepler isn't starting Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had gone 0-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts across the last two games. Trevor Larnach will start in right field while Rob Refsnyder takes over in center.
May 18 2021Kepler (hamstring) is batting fourth and starting in center field Tuesday against the White Sox, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler returns after exiting Sunday's contest and missing Monday's blowout loss with a minor hamstring issue. He did enjoy an excellent performance before the injury Sunday, going 2-for-3 with a homer, a double and four RBI.
May 17 2021Kepler (hamstring) will sit Monday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler left Sunday's game against Oakland after tweaking his hamstring. The issue is reportedly mild but will wind up costing him at least one start. Rob Refsnyder starts in center field in his absence.
May 16 2021Kepler exited Sunday's game against the Athletics due to a tweaked hamstring, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler hit a double in the bottom of the eighth inning, but he was replaced in center field to begin the ninth frame. The 28-year-old is being evaluated to determine the extent of his injury.
May 14 2021Kepler went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 4-2 loss Thursday to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler hit his third home run this season in the eighth inning off Jose Ruiz. All three of his home runs have come in his past six games. The 28-year-old is slashing just .200/.291/.378 with 13 RBI, 12 runs and five steals in 103 plate appearances. However, Kepler is starting to show a little power to go along with his speed.
May 7 2021Kepler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two RBI and a walk in Friday's 7-3 win over Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 19 games without a home run to begin the year, Kepler has knocked a long ball in each of the last two contests. The 28-year-old outfielder is now slashing .216/.298/.392 with two homers, 12 RBI, nine runs scored and four stolen bases through 83 plate appearances. With Byron Buxton (hip) out for multiple weeks, Kepler should see fairly consistent playing time in right field or center field.
May 6 2021Kepler went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and another run scored during Thursday's loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Batting leadoff, Kepler took Jordan Lyles deep on a 2-0 count in the first inning to give the Twins an early advantage. The long ball was the first of the year for the 28-year-old, who returned from a stint on the COVID-19 injured list Friday. Across 20 games this season, Kepler is batting .200/.278/.343.
May 1 2021Kepler isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler returned from the COVID-19 injured list Friday and went hitless with a walk and a run in three at-bats in the win over Kansas City. Kyle Garlick will take over in right field and bat fifth.
Apr 30 2021Kepler was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Friday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler spent 10 days on the sidelines after testing positive for coronavirus. He'll reclaim his starting role upon his return and will be looking to improve on a .234/.315/.362 line from his first 14 games.
Apr 27 2021Kepler could return from the COVID-19 injured list by the weekend after he underwent a final round of tests, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler underwent an electrocardiogram test on his pulmonary systems, the final step before being cleared by MLB to return from the COVID-19 list. Kepler has been out since April 20 after testing positive for the virus.
Apr 20 2021Kepler was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It sounds like Kepler tested positive for the virus, so he will need to quarantine for 10 days before he is eligible to return. Brent Rooker (neck) was activated in a corresponding move, and top prospect Alex Kirilloff was not part of the reinforcements from the alternate site.
Apr 13 2021Kepler is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was excluded from the initial lineup the Twins released ahead of Monday's series opener versus Boston, but the contest was ultimately postponed due to safety concerns. With the Red Sox opting to push Monday's starting pitcher (Martin Perez) back a day in the schedule, the Twins will continue to hold Kepler out for the lefty-on-lefty matchup. Kyle Garlick replaces Kepler in right field.
Apr 12 2021Kepler is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Martin Perez on the bump for Boston, the lefty-hitting Kepler will sit for the second time in 10 games this season. Jake Cave will cover right field in place of Kepler, who has yet to slug a home run over his 32 at-bats this season.
Apr 8 2021Kepler is fine after exiting early from Thursday's game against the Mariners, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler exited the game in the sixth inning after legging out an infield single and a brief visit from the trainer. However, manager Rocco Baldelli said that Kepler is fine and that the team was just trying to get him some extra rest early in the season.
Apr 7 2021Kepler isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler had started each of the first five games of the year and went 6-for-21 with four extra-base hits, five RBI and one stolen base. However, Kyle Garlick will take over in right field Wednesday, batting second.
Apr 4 2021Kepler went 1-for-5 with three RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 8-2 win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler opened the scoring by plating Jorge Polanco with a groundout in the first inning. In the sixth, Kepler added a two-RBI single before coming around to score on Miguel Sano's homer. The 28-year-old Kepler went 4-for-14 (.286) with four RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in the three-game series against the Brewers. The outfielder is locked in for a near-everyday role while hitting in the middle of the Twins' order.
Mar 27 2021Kepler went 1-for-3 in Saturday's spring training loss to Tampa Bay. He's hitting just .077 (3-for-39) this spring, but manager Rocco Baldelli said he's not concerned. "It's spring training, but everyone likes getting hits and when you're not feeling so hot at the plate, yeah, a hit like that will definitely help you," Baldelli told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "...When Kep gets to Opening Day, just like everyone else over here, everything starts from scratch." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is set with the starting right field job, so his spring stats shouldn't be a worry. The larger concern is if he starts losing at-bats during the season to left-handed pitching. After hitting nine home runs with a .880 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2019, he didn't homer and posted just a .378 OPS against southpaws last season.
Mar 13 2021Kepler (thigh) is serving as the designated hitter and batting third in Saturday's spring game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler exited Thursday's Grapefruit League game early after fouling a ball off his left thigh, but he'll take at-bats during Saturday's spring game. Kepler's injury appears to be minor, and he could return to the field in the near future if all goes well.
Mar 11 2021Kepler left Thursday's spring training game against Boston in the third inning after fouling a ball of his left thigh, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was able to finish his at-bat before departing early. It sounds like a minor injury and he will just need a few days off. Kepler took a step back last season after a breakout 2019 campaign as he returned to struggling against lefties. After hitting nine home runs with a .880 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2019, he did not homer and posted just a .378 OPS against lefties last season. He's set as Minnesota's everyday right fielder, and will try to prove his step back last season was the result of a small sample size.
Sep 22 2020Kepler went 3-for-5 with a home run and an additional RBI in Tuesday's win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler was one of two Minnesota hitters that recorded two or more knocks, and he was the reason why the game was decided on extra-innings -- he launched his ninth homer of the season in the bottom of the eighth when the Twins were down 3-2 on the score. Kepler has now hit safely in three straight games and is showing signs of a revival -- he entered this game hitting just .233 in 30 September at-bats.
Sep 20 2020Kepler went 3-for-5 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 4-0 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler opened the game with a single and scored on an Eddie Rosario single in the first inning. That would be all the Twins needed, but Kepler added an RBI groundout in the second a two-run homer in the seventh for good measure. The right fielder has eight homers, 21 RBI, 21 runs scored and three stolen bases in 43 games this year.
Sep 18 2020Kepler is not in the lineup Friday against the Cubs, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler hits the bench even with a righty (Kyle Hendricks) starting for the Cubs. He's gone hitless in his last three games and in seven of his last 10, hitting .108/.154/.108 over that stretch. Jake Cave will be the right fielder Friday.
Sep 13 2020Kepler (groin) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list prior to Sunday's game against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He ends up spending the minimum 10 days on the injured list with the minor groin injury. Look for Kepler to assume his everyday role in right field down the stretch.
Sep 12 2020Kepler (groin) is expected to return very soon, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler's required 10 days on the injured list will be completed Saturday, so it's possible hell return when first eligible Sunday, though the Twins have yet to officially confirm that. He was slashing .220/.322/.431 prior to straining his left adductor in early September.
Sep 8 2020Kepler (left adductor strain) has been running and throwing and has a chance to return from the 10-day IL when eligible, manager Rocco Baldelli told The Athletic. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler suffered a strained left adductor in last Wednesday's game. It sounds like he could return from the IL as soon as Sunday.
Sep 4 2020Kepler was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left adductor strain Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler left Wednesday's game against the White Sox with the injury, which was initially referred to as merely groin tightness. The issue is evidently worse than that, and he'll have to miss at least 10 days, though he's reportedly not expect to miss any more than the minimum. Brent Rooker was called up to take his place on the roster, though it may be Jake Cave who primarily benefits from the open spot in right field.
Sep 2 2020Kepler exited Wednesday's game against the White Sox with left groin tightness, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old appeared to suffer the injury during the second inning as he scored from first base on a double, as he was replaced for the start of the following frame. The severity of the injury has yet to be determined, but Kepler will have Thursday's scheduled off day to aid in his recovery before missing any games.
Sep 1 2020Kepler will be on the bench Tuesday against southpaw Dallas Keuchel and the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler isn't being platooned this season, though three of his four games on the bench this season have come against lefties. Marwin Gonzalez starts in right field Tuesday.
Aug 28 2020Kepler (bruised foot) is starting in center field and batting eighth in Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler fouled a pitch off his foot Wednesday but is over the bruise. With a lefty (Tarik Skubal) on the hill for Detroit, Kepler will hit in the eight hole for just the second time this season. He has still been leading off against righties.
Aug 26 2020Kepler suffered a bruised foot during Wednesday's game against Cleveland and is considered day-to-day, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old fouled a pitch off his foot during his second at-bat Wednesday and was forced to leave the game, but it appears he avoided a serious injury as X-rays came back negative per Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Kepler's status improved after receiving treatment, but his availability for Thursday's series finale won't be known until he's reevaluated.
Aug 19 2020Kepler isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will receive what appears to be a routine day off after Tuesday's 12-inning win against Milwaukee in which he went 0-for-3 with two stolen bases, two walks and one strikeout. Marwin Gonzalez will shift to right field with Ehire Adrianza starting at third base.
Aug 18 2020Kepler went 0-for-3 with a pair of walks and two stolen bases in Tuesday's extra-innings win over Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler's forte is typically hitting for power, but he turned to his legs in Tuesday's victory, stealing second base in the third and fifth innings. The 27-year-old had only one stolen base coming into the game and was thrown out in five of six attempts last season. His career-high for thefts in a campaign is six, set in 2016 and matched in 2017.
Aug 16 2020Kepler went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and single in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler's two-run homer off Brady Singer gave the Twins a 3-2 lead in the fifth. While the outfielder's .227 batting average and .314 on-base percentage are less than ideal in the leadoff spot, he has helped make up for those underwhelming numbers by being tied for the team lead with six homers.
Aug 12 2020Kepler is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the day off comes against a lefty (Eric Lauer), Kepler doesn't appear to be at any risk of falling into a platoon role, as he started against each of the previous three southpaws the Twins have faced this season. He'll sit for just the second time in Minnesota's first games Wednesday, with Jake Cave serving as the right fielder.
Aug 8 2020Kepler went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 9-6 loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler leads the team with five homers this season and his .241 batting average -- while not good -- is right on par with expectations. The power production will slow down, but Kepler is a true everyday player at this point and a fixture atop one of baseball's most potent lineups.
Aug 5 2020Kepler went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run and a walk in the Twins' victory over the Pirates on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler waited until the ninth inning to produce, taking Dovydas Neverauskas yard for insurance on the Twins' lead. He now has four home runs on the season, to go along with three doubles. Across 48 plate appearances, Kepler has reached base 17 times, scored 10 runs and driven in 10 runs.
Aug 4 2020Kepler didn't have an official at-bat during Tuesday's win over the Pirates, but he had two runs, a stolen base, four walks and a sacrifice fly in five plate appearances. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old entered Tuesday's contest with only one walk in 38 plate appearances this season, but he served as the quintessential leadoff man against Pittsburgh. Kepler went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts during Saturday's contest, but over the past three games he's 5-for-8 with three doubles, five runs, three RBI, a stolen base and four walks.
Jul 31 2020Kepler went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 4-1 win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the second time already this season, Kepler launched a leadoff homer, this one off Mike Clevinger. The 27-year-old outfielder has three long balls in total through six games but only five hits, leading to a lackluster .200 batting average.
Jul 29 2020Kepler is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler started each of the Twins' first four games, going 3-for-18 with a pair of Opening Day homers. He'll get what appears to be just a routine day off Wednesday, with Marwin Gonzalez starting in right field.
Jul 24 2020Kepler went 2-for-5 with a pair of solo home runs in Minnesota's 10-5 victory over the White Sox on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler wasted little time getting his season off to a strong start, blasting a home run off Lucas Giolito on the first pitch of the contest. He went deep again in the following frame, launching a 407-foot shot over the right-field wall. Kepler broke out with a career-high 36 home runs in 2019, and while he obviously won't reach that number in the 60-game 2020 campaign, he looks to be geared up for another productive season.
Mar 20 2020Kepler hit .158 with one double, two walks and four strikeouts in 21 plate appearances this spring. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He got a late start to Grapefruit League play after battling a back injury at the start of camp -- that after he ended 2019 dealing with a shoulder injury. These spring struggles came in a tiny sample, so there is no cause for concern. Kepler should be well rested and fully healthy when play resumes.
Feb 28 2020Kepler (back) is in the lineup for his spring debut Friday against Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A minor upper-back issue slowed Kepler early in camp, but the issue never appeared to be particularly serious. He still has more than enough time to get ready by Opening Day.
Feb 27 2020Kepler (back) is expected to make his spring debut Friday against the Red Sox, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has been slowed by a minor upper-back injury to start camp, but he's on track to make his Grapefruit League debut this weekend, which should give him plenty of time to build up before the start of the season. The outfielder is coming off a career year during which he hit .252/.336/.519 with 36 home runs and 90 RBI in 134 games.
Feb 25 2020Kepler is dealing with a minor upper-back injury, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The exact nature of the injury is unclear, but the Twins expect Kepler to get into game action within the next few days, so his preparation for Opening Day shouldn't be significantly impacted. The German outfielder will be looking to build upon a career year in which he hit .252/.336/.519 with 36 homers.
Oct 4 2019Kepler (shoulder) will start Game 1 of the ALDS on Friday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler is ready to go after battling a shoulder issue for much of September. He'll bat sixth as the center fielder Friday.
Sep 27 2019Kepler (shoulder) isn't expected to play over the weekend but should return for Game 1 of the ALDS on Oct. 4, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler hasn't taken the field since Sept. 14 due to a lingering shoulder injury, though the Twins are confident he'll be ready to roll for the beginning of the postseason. He'll likely be reevaluated closer to Game 1 against the Yankees.
Sep 24 2019Kepler (shoulder) is scheduled to go through an on-field workout Tuesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has been sidelined with a nagging shoulder injury, making just one appearance as a pinch runner since Sept. 14. The outfielder is scheduled to do some running and swinging prior to Tuesday's series opener against the Tigers. While Kepler is trending in the right direction, he won't be cleared to rejoin the lineup until he does some hitting against velocity. LaMonte Wade is starting in center field Tuesday.
Sep 22 2019Kepler (shoulder) will increase his swinging in the cage and begin hitting off of a high-velocity machine in the next few days,LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler returned to action Saturday on a limited basis, entering the game as a pinch-runner. However, this report suggests he's not able to swing a bat at full capacity, meaning his return to the lineup is still not imminent.
Sep 21 2019Kepler (shoulder) was running the bases prior to Saturday's game, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has been out of the lineup for a week but manager Rocco Baldelli suggested he could return to the field in some capacity soon. Helfan reported that Baldelli stated, "He could be an option to help us out in some other ways even if he's not playing in a full game right now, but we want to keep his legs moving in addition to everything else." That said, Kepler may not get a full game of at-bats soon, but could serve as a pinch-hitter or in another limited capacity.
Sep 20 2019Kepler (shoulder) remains out of the lineup Friday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Make it six straight absences for Kepler, who aggravated a shoulder injury Sept. 14 after returning to play both ends of a doubleheader. It's uncertain if he will be available in any capacity for the series, making him a tough call for weekend lineups. Ryan LaMarre is starting in center field for Minnesota.
Sep 19 2019Kepler (shoulder) is not in Thursday's lineup against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He returned from a shoulder injury to play in both games of a doubleheader on Sept. 14 and has not played in a game since after aggravating the injury. Luis Arraez, Ryan LaMarre and Eddie Rosario will start in the outfield from left to right.
Sep 18 2019Kepler (shoulder) will sit again Wednesday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler has started just two of the Twins' last nine games while dealing with a shoulder strain. Eddie Rosario starts in right field Wednesday, with Luis Arraez in left.
Sep 17 2019Kepler sits again Tuesday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler hits the bench for the third game in a row, this time against a lefty after he sat Sunday and Monday against right-handers. His absence is presumably related to the shoulder injury that held him back for most of last week. Ryan LaMarre will start in center field Tuesday.
Sep 16 2019Kepler remains on the bench Monday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler will sit for the second game in a row. He battled a shoulder injury for much of last week, though it's not clear if the issue has come back or if he's simply being rested with the Twins' place in the playoffs all but locked up. LaMonte Wade will start in center field Monday.
Sep 15 2019Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Indians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler returned from his shoulder injury and started both games of Saturday's doubleheader, and he'll take a seat for the series finale. LaMonte Wade will start in center field and bat seventh Sunday for the Twins.
Sep 13 2019Kepler (shoulder) is starting in center field and batting leadoff Friday night against the Indians, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler missed time with a shoulder issue, but after taking swings in the cage Thursday without issue, he's been cleared to return. He's off to a rough start in September, going 4-for-26 with two RBI and four walks over eight games.
Sep 12 2019Kepler (shoulder) was scheduled to take swings in the cage prior to Thursday's game against the Nationals, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler continues to battle a shoulder injury that he picked up over the weekend, but it's good news that he was able to take some hacks Thursday. Depending on how he responds to Thursday's activity, he could return to the starting nine Friday against Cleveland.
Sep 10 2019Kepler (shoulder) isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Washington, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though an MRI on Kepler's shoulder came back negative Monday, the Twins will hold the outfielder out of Tuesday's matchup. A timetable for his return is unclear at this time.
Sep 9 2019An MRI on Kepler's shoulder came back negative, Darren Wolfson of SKOR North reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This is positive news for Kepler, who has apparently been dealing with the shoulder injury for months. While Monday's tests cleared the outfielder of any structural damage, he still could be forced to miss some time due to inflammation.
Sep 8 2019Kepler, who is dealing with an injury to his scapula muscle, will have an MRI Monday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury was originally reported as a chest injury, but Hayes says it's a shoulder issue that Kepler has been dealing with for months. It seems like he irritated the injury in Sunday's game, but we should know more about his timetable after Monday's tests.
Sep 4 2019Kepler was removed from Wednesday's game at Boston with upper chest soreness, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kepler worked an eight-pitch walk in the bottom of the seventh inning but did not retake the field for the bottom of the frame with the Twins trailing by six runs. The team labeled his removal as precautionary, so the 26-year-old should be considered day-to-day for now.
Sep 2 2019Kepler went 2-for-5 with two RBI in Monday's win over Detroit.
Sep 1 2019Kepler was removed from Sunday's game against the Tigers in the sixth inning due to left leg tightness, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Aug 30 2019Kepler (knee) is back in action Friday against the Tigers.
Aug 29 2019Kepler (knee), who is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox, went through a workout on the field prior to the contest, Dan Hayes of The Athletic
Aug 28 2019Kepler was scratched from Wednesday's lineup versus the White Sox due to right knee soreness, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Aug 27 2019Kepler is not in the lineup Tuesday against the White Sox.
Aug 24 2019Kepler went 3-for-5 with one double, one home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Saturday's 8-5 win over the Tigers.
Aug 20 2019Kepler went 2-for-5 with a homer, a double and three RBI while scoring three times in Tuesday's win over the Twins.
Aug 19 2019Kepler (illness) is out of the lineup Monday against the White Sox, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.
Aug 18 2019Kepler was removed from Sunday's game against the White Sox due to "heat illness," Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Aug 7 2019Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Braves.
Aug 5 2019Kepler went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the Twins' 5-3 win over the Braves on Monday.
Aug 1 2019Kepler went 1-for-1 with a solo home run, three walks and an additional run Wednesday in the Twins' 7-4 win over the Marlins.
Jul 27 2019Kepler went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Friday's 6-2 win over the White Sox.
Jul 27 2019Kepler went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Friday's 6-2 win over the White Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 25 2019Kepler went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, a pair of walks and another run scored in Thursday's 10-3 rout of the White Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 24 2019Kepler is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Yankees, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 21 2019Kepler went 3-for-6 with a homer, a double, four RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 7-6 win over Oakland.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 13 2019Kepler went 2-for-5 with two home runs in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Indians.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 12 2019Kepler (knee) is starting in right field<\/a> and batting leadoff Friday at Cleveland.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 7 2019Kepler was removed from Sunday's game against the Rangers due to a bruised knee, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 30 2019Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 29 2019Kepler went 2-for-5 with two solo home runs in Saturday's 10-3 win over the White Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 27 2019Kepler (elbow) will start in center field and bat leadoff<\/a> Thursday against the Rays.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 26 2019Kepler (elbow) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Rays, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 25 2019Kepler was pulled from Tuesday's game against the Rays after being hit by a pitch on the right elbow, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 25 2019Kepler (elbow) had X-rays come back negative but will undergo an MRI on Wednesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 25 2019Kepler was diagnosed with a right elbow contusion after leaving Tuesday's game versus the Rays, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 19 2019Kepler went 3-for-5 with a walk, a home run and three RBI in Tuesday's extra-innings win over the Red Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 18 2019Kepler isn't in Tuesday's starting lineup against the Red Sox, Dan Hayes of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 16 2019Kepler went 4-for-6 with a pair of doubles, two RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 8-6 loss to the Royals.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 13 2019Kepler went 1-for-3 with two walks, two RBI and a run scored Thursday against the Mariners.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 7 2019Kepler is not starting Friday<\/a> against Matthew Boyd and the Tigers.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 6 2019Kepler went 4-for-4 with three home runs, four RBI, four runs scored and a walk during Thursday's 5-4 win over Cleveland.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 2 2019Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 29 2019Kepler went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run in the Twins' 5-3 win over the Brewers on Tuesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 26 2019Kepler went 2-for-4 with a homer, a double, four RBI and two runs in Sunday's 7-0 win over the White Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 25 2019Kepler is not in Saturday's lineup against the White Sox, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 24 2019Kepler is starting as the designated hitter<\/a> Friday against the White Sox after leaving the previous night's game against the Angels with a bruised right knee.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 24 2019Kepler went 3-for-5 with a home run, double and stolen base in Thursday's rout of the Angels. He scored four runs and drove in two, but also suffered a minor knee injury late in the game.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 24 2019Kepler went 3-for-5 with a home run, double and stolen base in Thursday's rout of the Angels. He scored four runs and drove in two.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 24 2019Kepler went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, two runs scored and four RBI in Friday's 11-4 rout of the White Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 23 2019Kepler left Thursday's game against the Angels with a bruised right knee after colliding with the outfield wall, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 19 2019Kepler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 17 2019Kepler went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Friday's 7-1 win over the Mariners.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 16 2019Kepler went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Thursday's victory over the Mariners.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 13 2019Kepler is not starting Monday<\/a> against the Angels.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 11 2019Kepler went 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 6-0 win over the Tigers.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 14 2018Kepler went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk Saturday in the Twins' 19-6 loss to the Rays.The 25-year-old laced a Chris Archer offering over the right-field fence and has recorded a hit in nine of his past 10 games, during which he's 11-for-37 (.297) with three big flies and seven RBI. Kepler has teased some hot stretches with the bat but hasn't sustained them for a significant window, carrying a .228/.313/.409 line with 11 homers and 36 RBI over 361 plate appearances into Sunday's first-half finale.
Jul 12 2018Kepler will bat seventh and man center field for Thursday's matchup with Tampa Bay, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.He'll be making his 20th start of the season against a left-hander, as Blake Snell toes the rubber for the opposition. Kepler is batting .275/.337/.527 against left-handed pitching so far this season.
Jul 8 2018Kepler went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored Sunday against the Orioles.Kepler continues to show signs of breaking out a prolonged slump and Sunday's performance extended his hitting streak to a modest four games. In that span he also has two home runs, four RBI and six runs scored. While that's hardly enough to conclude he's in for improved performance for the remainder of the season, it's encouraging to see him hitting better.
Jul 7 2018Kepler went 1-for-4 with his 10th home run in Saturday's win over Baltimore.It's the the fifth time in his career he's homered in back-to-back games. Kepler is hitting .277 with two home runs over his last nine games. While that's not overly impressive, he may be showing signs of pulling out a slump that saw him hit just .135 with a .422 OPS from June 1 to June 27.
Jul 6 2018Kepler went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 6-2 win over the Orioles.It's his ninth homer of the year and first since June 20, snapping a 14-game power drought during which Kepler slashed a woeful .208/.255/.250. The 25-year-old's .701 OPS on the season is only a slight dropoff from his performance over the last two years, making it tough to predict a second-half turnaround despite his physical tools.
Jul 2 2018Kepler (illness) is back in the lineup Monday against the Brewers, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.Kepler left Saturday's game against the Cubs with heat-related illness and did not start Sunday. He appeared off the bench in that game, though, and is back in the starting lineup Monday, batting seventh and playing center field.
Jul 1 2018Kepler (heat-related illness) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cubs, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.Kepler checked out of Saturday's contest due to the effects of the extreme heat in Chicago, which impacted players on both sides. Though Kepler will remain on the bench Sunday, it likely has more to do with a lefty (Jon Lester) being on the hill than out of any concern about the outfielder's health. The Twins are expected to face another lefty (Brent Suter) when they begin their series with the Brewers on Monday, so Kepler might not re-enter the starting nine until Tuesday.
Jun 30 2018Kepler left Saturday's game against the Cubs with heat illness, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.Kepler was the third Twin of the afternoon to exit the game with heat illness, as the extreme temperatures took quite a toll. The 25-year-old went 1-for-4 with a run scored prior to leaving the game, but will hopefully be able to return to the lineup for Sunday's contest.
Jun 28 2018Kepler is not in the lineup against the White Sox on Thursday, LaVelle E. Neal of the Star Tribune reports.Kepler will get a day off after starting the previous seven games, during which he's gone just 3-for-23 with two RBI dating back to June 20. In his absence, Taylor Motter will draw the assignment in right field while Jake Cave starts in center.
Jun 19 2018Kepler is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Red Sox, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.Kepler is in the midst of a 2-for-23 (.087) slump, so it's no surprise that he'll find himself on the bench with one of the toughest southpaws in the game (Chris Sale) toeing the rubber for the opposition. Taylor Motter is starting in right field and hitting seventh in his stead.
Jun 13 2018Kepler is out of the starting nine for Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Phil Miller of the Star Tribune reports.Kepler will take a seat with left-hander Matt Boyd on the mound for Detroit. In his place, Robbie Grossman will man right field and bat fifth. Through 10 games this month, Kepler is just 5-for-34 (.147 average).
Jun 7 2018Kepler is out of the lineup against the White Sox on Thursday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.Kepler will receive a day off for the first time since May 22 as Robbie Grossman gets the start in right field in his stead. Through 58 games this year, Kepler is hitting .238/.328/.437 with seven home runs and 24 RBI.
May 26 2018Kepler went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's loss to the Mariners.Kepler's home run -- his seventh on the year -- came off Seattle starter James Paxton in the fifth inning. Against lefties this year, Kepler has four home runs and is hitting .356 with an OPS of 1.167 through 45 at-bats. Kepler ended April hitting .299 and has posted a disappointing .205 average in May to bring his season batting average to .256. The 25-year-old's 25:21 K:BB is doing well to keep his on-base percentage at a respectable .341, but his .264 BABIP needs to improve to make him a more relevant option at the outfield position.
May 22 2018Kepler is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers.Kepler has hit just .156/.243/.313 over his last nine starts, so he'll head to the bench for Tuesday's game to clear his head. Ryan LaMarre, who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, is starting in right field and hitting seventh in his stead.
May 12 2018Kepler (hand) is starting in right field and batting third for Saturday's game against the Angels, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Kepler was out of the lineup for Friday's win over the Angels with a left hand bruise, but was still intentionally walked in his appearance as a pinch hitter. The Twins never felt as though X-rays were necessary so it's no surprise to see the 25-year-old make a quick return to the field.
May 11 2018Kepler is out of Friday's lineup against the Angels with a left hand bruise, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Kepler apparently sustained the injury in Thursday's game, but will not undergo X-rays and is available off the bench Friday. The injury appears minor and hopefully the 25-year-old will be able to return to the lineup at some point this weekend.
May 11 2018Kepler is out of the lineup against the Angels on Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.Kepler will get a breather after starting the past 22 games, hitting .282/.344/.482 with two home runs and nine RBI during that span. Manager Paul Molitor will trot out an outfield of Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton and Robbie Grossman on Friday against left-hander Tyler Skaggs.
Apr 21 2018Kepler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's extra-inning loss to the Rays.It looked like Kepler had played hero with his ninth-inning blast, putting the Twins on top 7-6, but Fernando Rodney and Zack Duke combined to hand the game back to Tampa. Kepler now has four homers in 14 games to go along with a solid .289/.396/.622 slash line, and his 8:5 BB:K hints at a big improvement in his plate discipline that could support a higher level of production than he's shown in the past.
Apr 20 2018Kepler (knee) will bat seventh and play center field against the Rays on Friday, LaVelle E. Neal of the Star Tribune reports.Kepler won't miss any additional time after being removed from Wednesday's game with a right knee injury. Manager Paul Molitor said that the outfielder was dealing with some discomfort but there wasn't anything structurally wrong with the knee. With left-hander Blake Snell scheduled to pitch Saturday's game, it wouldn't be surprising to see Molitor give Kepler another day off to keep him spry moving forward.
Apr 18 2018Kepler was removed from Wednesday's game against the Indians with a right knee injury, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.The Twins have yet to clarify the severity of the issue, but more should be known once he's further evaluated following Wednesday's game. Kepler was 1-for-3 before exiting the game prior to the 10th inning. He was replaced by Ryan LaMarre.
Apr 18 2018Kepler does not have anything structurally wrong with his injured right knee, manager Paul Molitor told Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "He was just having some discomfort. Thought it was catching a little bit. We think he's going to be OK," said Molitor.Kepler left Wednesday's game in the ninth inning after he appeared to struggle to make a catch in center field. He may need a day or two off as a result.
Apr 11 2018Kepler went 2-for-4 with a walk and two homers in Wednesday's win over the Astros. He drove in three and scored three runs.Kepler helped chase Lance McCullers in the fourth inning with a two-run homer before his walkoff solo shot in the ninth inning ended things. The 25-year-old was just 3-for-15 in his previous five games heading into Wednesday. He's now hitting a healthy .281/.395/.625 with three homers and a 6:4 BB:K through 10 games.
Apr 10 2018Kepler will be on the bench as the Twins take on the left-handed Dallas Keuchel and the Astros on Tuesday.The off day is Kepler's first of the season. He's off to a solid start through his first eight games, hitting .269/.387/.462 with one home run and more walks (five) than strikeouts (three). Robbie Grossman will start in his place in right field.
Mar 31 2018Kepler went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a solo home run Saturday during the Twins' 6-2 victory over the Orioles.The 25-year-old took a hanging Andrew Cashner breaking ball over the right-center-field wall for his first long ball of the year. Reports of Kepler refusing to increase his launch angle might have prompted fantasy concerns over his power potential, and his failure to reach 20 bombs in a full 2017 season -- when homers skyrocketed across the league -- might've written him off in many circles. Still, the lefty stick remains intriguing in deeper fantasy leagues, especially when he faces right-handed pitching: He had posted a career .809 OPS in that split heading into tonight's action.
Mar 12 2018Kepler is hitting .333/.417/.381 with five strikeouts and two walks in 21 spring at-bats.He only has one extra-base hit (a double) in nine spring games. While Kepler hit almost exclusively out of the seven hole earlier this spring, he has hit third, sixth and fifth, respectively, in the last three games, in part due to other absences from those specific lineups. It seems likely that he will sit against most lefties (36 wRC+ for his career) in favor of Robbie Grossman in right field this season.
Oct 1 2017Kepler isn't in the lineup Sunday against the Tigers, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Kepler has started five consecutive games for the Twins. In that time he's gone 4-for-20 (.200) and struck out nine times. He'll move to the bench Sunday while Robbie Grossman starts in right field.
Sep 26 2017Kepler (back) is starting in right field and batting sixth Tuesday against the Indians, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Kepler is back in action after sitting out Sunday's game with a back injury. The issue was never thought to be anything overly serious as he was available off the bench Sunday, so it isn't all too surprising to see him in the lineup following a team off day Monday. He'll face righty Josh Tomlin in his return action.
Sep 24 2017Kepler (hip) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Tigers, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.The Twins haven't given any additional information regarding the severity of Kepler's injury. The team has Monday off, so consider Kepler day-to-day heading into Tuesday's contest against the Indians until further notice. Eddie Rosario will move to right field Sunday while Zack Granite gets the start in left.
Sep 24 2017Kepler (back) is available from the bench Sunday against the Tigers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.It had been believed that Kepler was dealing with a hip injury, but the 24-year-old said that he's actually dealing with some bruising on his lower back. Because the Twins have Monday off and Kepler is available to play if needed Sunday, it's expected that he'll be ready to return to action for Tuesday's series opener against Cleveland.
Sep 23 2017Kepler was removed from Saturday's game against the Tigers with a left hip injury, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Kepler appeared to tweak something making a throw home in the first inning, and he was lifted in favor of Ehire Adrianza prior to his scheduled at-bat in the second frame. Expect Kepler's status to be updated further when more details regarding his injury are released.
Sep 20 2017Kepler went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Yankees.He took CC Sabathia yard in the third inning, his first home run off a lefty this season (109 at-bats). As a 23-year-old last season, Kepler homered twice off same-handed pitching in 133 plate appearances. Kepler is still batting just .138/.208/.202 against southpaws after Tuesday's showing, and he will likely bat at the bottom of the order in any other starts against lefties over the final couple weeks.
Sep 19 2017Kepler is in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees, according to Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.Kepler has frequently been held out against left-handed starters this year -- unsurprising given that he owns just a .375 OPS against them in 2017 -- but manager Paul Molitor will give him the start in right field Tuesday even though southpaw CC Sabathia is on the bump for the opponent. Kepler will occupy the ninth spot in the Twins' batting order.
Sep 18 2017Kepler is out of the lineup Monday against the Yankees, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.Lefty Jaime Garcia is poised to start for the Yankees, so Kepler will receive the day off. Ehire Adrianza will hit ninth and join the Twins' outfield in his place.
Sep 14 2017Kepler is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays.Kepler will retreat to the bench with southpaw Brett Anderson on the bump for Toronto. Eddie Rosario is set to man right field in his place, while Ehire Adrianza picks up a start in left.
Sep 12 2017Kepler is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Padres, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.As usual, Kepler will get the day off with a left-hander pitcher (Travis Wood) toeing the rubber for the opposition. In his place, Eddie Rosario will slide over to right field, opening up a spot for Ehire Adrianza to start in left.
Sep 10 2017Kepler is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.Kepler will be given the day off with the left-handed Jason Vargas taking the mound for the Royals. Kepler is hitting just .208 during the month of September and has lowered his season average to a pedestrian .245. Eddie Rosario will take his place in right field with Ehire Adrianza drawing the start in left.
Sep 6 2017Kepler is out of the lineup against the Rays on Wednesday, LaVelle E. Neal of the Star Tribune reports.Kepler heads to the bench following three straight starts as manager Paul Molitor removes all left-handed hitters from the lineup ahead of the club's contest against southpaw Blake Snell. In his place, Niko Goodrum gets the nod in right, while batting seventh.
Sep 2 2017Kepler is out of Saturday's lineup against the Royals, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.He will sit out for the second time in four games, as the Twins look to get as many right-handed and switch hitters in the lineup as possible against lefty Onelki Garcia. Kepler is a career .170/.240/.252 hitter against southpaws. Ehire Adrianza is starting in left field and hitting ninth while Eddie Rosario moves over to right field.
Aug 30 2017Kepler is out of Wednesday's lineup against the White Sox.While Byron Buxton, Jorge Polanco and Eddie Rosario are red hot in the second half, Kepler has been less impressive. He does have seven home runs in 86 at-bats this month, but he is getting on base at just a .274 clip over that span. Ehire Adrianza will start in left field and hit ninth.
Aug 24 2017Kepler is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.As per usual, Kepler will head to the bench with the opposition sending out a left-handed starter (Derek Holland). Eddie Rosario will slide over to right field in his absence, leaving a spot in left field for Zack Granite to draw the start.
Aug 23 2017Kepler (illness) is back in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the White Sox, Mike Berardino of The Pioneer Press reports.Kepler spent the last two games out of the starting nine while dealing with an illness, but appears to be good to go for Wednesday's affair. The 24-year-old has been swinging the bat well as of late, hitting .316/.333/.605 with three home runs and nine RBI over his past 10 contests.
Aug 22 2017Kepler (illness) could be available off the bench Tuesday if he no longer has flu symptoms, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.He is out of the lineup, but was told to rest during the afternoon and come to the park after his teammates. Even if he does not get a pinch-hit opportunity, it sounds like his return is imminent. Ehire Adrianza is getting the start in left field while Eddie Rosario moves over to right field.
Aug 22 2017Kepler (illness) is out of Tuesday's game against the White Sox, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.This will be his second missed game due to the illness. Eddie Rosario will slide over to right field while Ehire Adrianza gets the start in left field. Kepler is hitting .252/.317/.439 on the season, but is slumping a little (.680 OPS) in the second half.
Aug 21 2017Kepler sat out the second game of Monday's doubleheader due to an illness, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He went 0-for-3 in the first game.The illness is likely minor, but Kepler may need another game off to get back to full speed.
Aug 17 2017Kepler went 1-for-3 with a solo homer in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Indians.Kepler wasn't in the starting lineup, but entered the contest as a pinch-hitter in the third inning and ended up making a major impact. His long ball in the seventh inning broke a 2-2 tie in a game his team ultimately won 4-2.
Aug 17 2017Kepler is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Indians, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.After going 1-for-3 in Game 1, Kepler will head to the bench for Game 2 with the Indians sending out a southpaw starter (Ryan Merritt). Robbie Grossman, who is starting in right field in his place, will continue to see starts in the outfield over Kepler when the Twins are facing a lefty starter.
Aug 13 2017Kepler is out of the lineup Sunday against the Tigers, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.Kepler has smacked four home runs and has driven in eight runs over his last six starts, but his immense struggles against left-handers this season will continue to confine him to a platoon role in the outfield. With the Tigers bringing southpaw Matthew Boyd to the hill in the series finale, Kepler will cede a start in right field to Robbie Grossman.
Aug 11 2017Kepler went 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBI Friday against the Tigers.Kepler connected on his 14th blast of the year to extend the Twins' lead to four runs in the fifth inning of a divisional win. He's been on a power surge lately, as he's left the yard four times over his last six games, and despite weak overall fantasy numbers, he's a player who could be useful to fantasy managers while he's hot.
Aug 8 2017Kepler went 3-for-4 with two homers, a walk and three RBI during Tuesday's win over the Brewers.Kepler entered Tuesday's game having gone just 1-for-15 during the month of August but the 24-year-old broke out in a big way. He went deep off Brewers' starter Matt Garza twice in the first four innings and raised his season slugging percentage from .411 to .431 in the process. Hopefully his strong performance can propel him to a productive final two months of the regular season.
Aug 7 2017Kepler is out of the lineup Monday against the Brewers.With lefty Brent Suter starting for the Brewers, Kepler will bow out of the lineup and indirectly open up a starting spot for switch hitter Ehire Adrianza, who will man third base. Kepler owns a .171/.239/.254 career line against southpaws and will likely continue to be deployed as a platoon bat for the rest of the season.
Aug 6 2017Kepler went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Sunday's win over Texas.After going 0-for-14 through his previous four games, Kepler's bomb was a welcomed blast for gamers. He continues to provide serviceable counting stats with 11 homers, 42 RBI and 47 runs, but the sophomore also sports an underwhelming .246/.314/.413 slash line. At this stage of the game, Kepler's consistent playing time is buoying his fantasy value.
Aug 4 2017Kepler is not in the lineup Friday against the Rangers, Brandon Warne of Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.Veteran southpaw Cole Hamels takes the mound for Texas, so the Twins will go with Robbie Grossman in right field. Kepler is 0-for-11 with three strikeouts over his last three starts, so the routine day off could serve as a nice chance to clear his head.
Jul 30 2017Kepler is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.With manager Paul Molitor opting to deploy Miguel Sano at DH for the series finale, Robbie Grossman will move over to right field, leaving no room in the outfield for Kepler. It's likely Kepler would have had a stronger case to stick around in the lineup if he hadn't struck out four times Saturday, but the benching shouldn't change his standing as an everyday option for the Twins, especially with the team gradually fading from the American League wild-card race.
Jul 24 2017Kepler is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.Kepler will get the day off after starting each of the team's previous 10 contests. The 24-year-old entered the month of July with a .243 average but has raised that figure by 15 points with a strong 21-for-66 showing in July thus far. Robbie Grossman will take over in right field, batting sixth.
Jul 9 2017Kepler went 2-for-4 with a double, a triple and an RBI in Sunday's 11-5 loss to the Orioles.The left-handed-hitting Kepler sat Saturday with a southpaw on the mound, but he took full advantage of this matchup against righty Ubaldo Jimenez with extra-base hits in each of the first two innings. Minnesota's clean-up hitter now has 32 extra-base hits in 82 games.
Jul 8 2017Kepler is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's matinee against the Orioles.Southpaw Wade Miley is on the mound for Baltimore, so Kepler will take a seat on the bench for the first time in five games. The 24-year-old is 12-for-26 from the plate this month to go along with a 1.293 OPS, a surge he'll look to build upon heading into the second half of the 2017 campaign. Robbie Grossman will take his place in right field.
Jul 4 2017Kepler went 4-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and three RBI during Monday's win over Los AngelesThe sophomore is up to 10 homers, 35 RBI and 40 runs with a respectable .261/.330/.446 slash line. Kepler has already built on his solid 2016 campaign, and hitting in the heart of the lineup should help him continue to provide serviceable fantasy numbers for most settings. Showing more game-to-game consistency is the next step to reaching his potential.
Jul 2 2017Kepler is out of the lineup Sunday against the Royals, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.As is often the case when the Twins face left-handed starters, Kepler finds himself on the bench Sunday with southpaw Travis Wood taking the hill for the opposition. Robbie Grossman will man right field while Kepler rests up after providing four hits -- including three doubles -- during Saturday's doubleheader.
Jun 28 2017Kepler went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Red Sox.It's his ninth homer of the year but first in 12 games, and Kepler hit just .167 (6-for-36) with one RBI between those blasts. The 24-year-old is still struggling to develop the consistency necessary to translate his raw tools into fantasy production, limiting his utility to AL-only and deep formats.
Jun 26 2017Kepler is not in the starting lineup Monday against the Red Sox, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Kepler returned from a foot injury Sunday, but Monday's absence appears to stem from the fact that southpaw Chris Sale is toeing the rubber for Boston. Robbie Grossman will slide into right field and Eduardo Escobar is serving as the designated hitter.
Jun 25 2017Kepler (foot) will man right field during Sunday's contest against the Indians, LaVelle E. Neal of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.Kepler sat out Saturday's game with a foot contusion after initially being on the lineup card. It appears as though Kepler could have played if he was needed, signaling the minor nature of this injury. He should be good to go moving forward.
Jun 24 2017Kepler's (foot) X-rays returned negative, confirming that he's suffering from a foot contusion, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. He's available off the bench Saturday if needed.Considering the Twins are shorthanded on the bench Saturday, Kepler's availability should provide some relief in an emergency situation. The club will likely attempt to avoid using him, but it sounds as though the issue won't hold the 24-year-old out of the lineup very long.
Jun 24 2017Kepler was removed from Saturday's lineup due to a sore right foot, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Kepler reportedly fouled a ball off the foot during Friday's contest and will undergo further tests to ensure it's nothing more than a contusion. It will cost him Saturday's game at a minimum, with Byron Buxton enetring the lineup in his place. Buxton will bat ninth and will shift Eddie Rosario to left field and Robbie Grossman to right.
Jun 20 2017Kepler is not in the lineup Tuesday against the White Sox.Kepler has just a .440 OPS against southpaws this season, so he'll take a night off with lefty Derek Holland hurling for Chicago. Robbie Grossman will move into right field to fill the void while Kennys Vargas gets a turn as the designated hitter to complete the lineup.
Jun 15 2017Kepler is not in the Twins' lineup Thursday against the Mariners, Shane Jackson of MLB.com reports.The lefty masher will avoid facing southpaw Ariel Miranda, with Robbie Grossman sliding over to right field and Eddie Rosario remaining in the lineup after his three-homer effort Tuesday. In June, Kepler has already matched the three bombs he hit in all of May, so when he's in the lineup, his power potential looks more promising than initially thought.
Jun 13 2017Kepler went 3-for-5 with his eighth homer, a walk, two RBI and three runs in Tuesday's 20-7 shellacking of the Mariners.Just 1-for-17 over his past five games and homerless in his last eight, Kepler needed a big effort to pull him out of the doldrums. The 24-year-old has the pop to hit 20-plus homers, but until he starts showing the sort of plate discipline we saw from him in the minors, it'll be hard to expect him to help out in batting average. Kepler's current .258 mark is probably as much as you can ask for.
Jun 11 2017Kepler is out of the lineup Sunday against the Giants, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.With no DH spot available for the series in San Francisco, manager Paul Molitor has been using the hot-hitting Robbie Grossman in the outfield, which will result in Kepler hitting the bench after Eddie Rosario and Byron Buxton were dropped from the lineup Friday and Saturday, respectively. The Twins will resume American League play Monday against the Mariners, so Kepler should be locked in for a full-time role during the upcoming week.
Jun 4 2017Kepler went 2-for-4 with his seventh home run in Saturday's loss to the Angels.Kepler homered for the second consecutive game and continues his recent hot streak. He's hitting .301 with four home runs over his last 13 games.
Jun 3 2017Kepler went 2-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Friday's 11-5 win over the Angels.It's his first homer in 10 games and sixth on the season. Kepler has been streaky this season but he may be heating up again, hitting .333/.364/.524 over his last five games.
May 18 2017Kepler went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Thursday's 2-0 win over Colorado.The big 24-year-old enjoyed a multi-hit game after getting the past two nights off due to a benching and a rainout. He's having a mediocre season thus far, slashing just .252/.346/.409, but with four hits in his last two starts, perhaps he is beginning to turn a corner.
May 16 2017Kepler is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Rockies.The 24-year-old is batting just .167 against lefties this season, and with southpaw Kyle Freeland taking the mound for Colorado, Kepler will get the night off. Robbie Grossman will move to right field to fill the void while Eduardo Escobar enters the lineup as the DH.
May 13 2017Kepler went 1-for-3 with a walk and hit his third home run of the season in Saturday's win over Cleveland.Kepler had been hitting just .111 (3-for-27) with no extra base hits in May before Saturday. Hopefully his home run ends his slump.
May 11 2017Kepler is not in the lineup Thursday against the White Sox, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.This comes as no surprise, as Kepler was expected to take a seat Wednesday before the contest was rained out. Manager Paul Molitor will still choose to send out extra right-handed bats against southpaw Derek Holland, sending Robbie Grossman out to right field in place of Kepler.
May 10 2017Kepler is out of the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Manager Paul Molitor will stock his lineup with extra right-handed bats to counter southpaw Derek Holland, so Kepler will give way in right field to Robbie Grossman. Kepler has compiled a .190/.258/.306 batting line over 164 career plate appearances against left-handed pitching.
May 7 2017Kepler is not in the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox.Kepler has made back-to-back starts in center field, but will head back to the bench with Byron Buxton (head) back in action for the series finale. Furthermore, Kepler is just 4-for-27 (.148) against left-handed pitching this season, and opposing southpaw Chris Sale is as tough as they come.
May 4 2017Kepler is not in the Twins' Thursday lineup against the Athletics, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.The outfielder has found a bit of rhythm in recent games but still could use time to figure things out. This may also be just a normally scheduled day of rest for Kepler. Danny Santana is taking his place in right field, batting eighth.
Apr 26 2017Kepler is out of Wednesday's lineup against the Rangers, the Star Tribune's LaVelle E. Neal III reports.Minnesota will go with a righty and switch-hitter heavy lineup against southpaw Cole Hamels. Robbie Grossman gets the start in right field while hitting cleanup and Eduardo Escobar gets the start at DH.
Apr 24 2017Kepler is not in the lineup Monday against the Rangers, LaVelle Neal of the Star Tribune reports.Despite knocking a two-run bomb in Sunday's series finale against the Tigers, Kepler will head to the bench as Robbie Grossman takes over in right field and Kennys Vargas slides over to DH.
Apr 21 2017Kepler is batting second Friday against the Tigers.The young outfielder is in the midst of an eight-game hit streak in which he's batted .387 with six RBI, so he'll move up in the order to try to spark the Twins offense against Detroit starter Justin Verlander. With the move, Kepler could see a bit of an uptick in the runs scored category, even if it diminishes his RBI opportunities a bit.
Apr 17 2017Kepler went 2-for-4 with a walk during Sunday's loss to the White Sox.It was Kepler's third multi-hit showing during his active five-game hitting streak (8-for-19). He's sporting a solid .302/.375/.512 slash line for the campaign with six runs, a home run and six RBI. His 17 homers in just 447 plate appearances as a rookie last year might be a touch misleading, though, as Kepler didn't showcase huge power upside in the minors. However, he's capable of stealing a few bags and has the potential to tilt the scales across all rotisserie categories if he can keep his batting average up.
Apr 11 2017Kepler is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Tigers, the Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports.He is slashing .217/.280/.261 with a 28 percent strikeout rate through the first six games of the season, so the matchup against lefty Matt Boyd seems like a perfect time to give him a day off. Danny Santana is starting in right field and hitting ninth.
Apr 5 2017Kepler will bat second Wednesday against the Royals, LaVelle Neal of the Star Tribune reports.Kepler batted out of the No. 8 spot on Opening Day against lefty Danny Duffy, but he'll shoot all the way to the two-hole against right-hander Ian Kennedy. As a 23-year-old last season, Kepler hit .248/.325/.468 against right-handed pitching, with 15 homers in 278 plate appearances. He struggled throughout the spring, however, going 8-for-53 (.151 average) with 12 strikeouts.
Mar 19 2017Kepler (finger) is scheduled to play in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays, LaVelle Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.Kepler was able to perform all baseball activities with no limitations, so the Twins appear confident that the pinkie injury he sustained Saturday isn't a concern. The Twins may opt to use him in the outfield right away rather than at DH, as Robbie Grossman exited Sunday's game against the Red Sox with groin tightness and could be sidelined for at least a few days.
Mar 18 2017Kepler (finger) underwent X-rays after exiting Saturday's game, but the scan came back negative and the Twins are considering him day-to-day, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.This is encouraging news for Kepler and the Twins' young outfield corps after he was removed following a diving catch against the Red Sox. Robbie Grossman, who replaced Kepler in the outfield Saturday, could draw a couple starts in the coming days if the Twins opt to keep Kepler on the bench for a few games.
Mar 18 2017Kepler was removed from Saturday's game for precautionary reasons after suffering an abrasion on his glove hand, Mike Berardino of The Pioneer Press reports.Robbie Grossman has come on to replace Kepler after the young outfielder appeared to injure his hand making a diving catch in Saturday's game. Fortunately, the decision to remove Kepler was precautionary, so there isn't major concern over his injury at this time. Still, it will be worth monitoring whether Kepler is back in the lineup for Sunday's matchup with the Red Sox.
Mar 7 2017Kepler went 0-for-3 in Monday's spring training game. Despite hitting just .125 (2-for-16) this spring, he has the confidence of manager Paul Molitor. "He's looked really good, overall, to me, He's really picking up on the details on defense. He has a more aggressive mind-set and is trusting his swing. So far, I think he's had a good camp," Molitor told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.Kepler is expected to be the everyday right fielder after hitting 17 home runs in his first extended time in the majors last season. Kepler draws walks at a good clip, made strong contact in the minors and has some speed on the basepaths, but needs to improve against left-handed pitching (.595 OPS last year) and make fewer errors in the outfield.
Sep 30 2016Kepler is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger.Kepler will be held out in favor of Logan Schafer on Friday with the Twins taking on White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon. Schafer also hits left-handed, but is regarded as the better defender between the two.
Sep 24 2016Kepler (neck) is back in the lineup Saturday against the Mariners, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.It was reported Thursday that Kepler was diagnosed with a mild neck strain. Given the nature of the injury, it seemed likely Kepler would need a couple days, but he will slot back in Saturday after missing just one start. Kepler was riding high there for a while, but has crashed back to earth in September with a .182/.217/.212 batting line.
Sep 23 2016Kepler (neck strain) is not in Friday's lineup against the Mariners.This is not surprising, as Kepler seems poised to miss at least a few days, given the nature of the injury. However, the team has not provided a timetable for his return, so he will remain loosely listed as day-to-day. Logan Schafer is starting in right field and hitting eighth Friday.
Sep 23 2016Kepler (neck strain) is available off the bench Friday, the Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports.He says his neck felt much better Friday after suffering the neck strain in Thursday's game. This is excellent news, as it suggests he could be back in the lineup as soon as Saturday. Logan Schafer is starting in his place and hitting eighth Friday.
Sep 22 2016Kepler is currently dealing with a mild neck strain, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.Kepler was hitless in Thursday's loss to the Tigers, but was able to play it in its entirety. The severity of the injury is unknown at this time.
Sep 18 2016Kepler is out of Sunday's lineup versus the Mets.Kepler went just 1-for-6 in Saturday's 12-inning battle against the Mets, so he'll get the day off. With Kepler sitting, Logan Schafer will start in right field and hit second.
Sep 7 2016Kepler is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals.Kepler will get the night off Wednesday with the Twins employing a righty-heavy lineup against Royals starter Danny Duffy. Kepler's replacement in the outfield, Logan Schafer, also hits left-handed, but will get the nod because he is considered the better defender of the two.
Sep 5 2016Kepler is out of the lineup Monday against the Royals, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.Kepler struck out five times in seven at-bats during Sunday's 12-inning loss to the White Sox, so Twins manager Paul Molitor will give the youngster the afternoon off to clear his head. The outfielder had struck out just four times in his preceding five games, so Sunday's performance shouldn't concern fantasy owners too much. Logan Schafer will replace Kepler in right field in Monday's series opener.
Aug 25 2016Kepler went 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI in Thursday's loss game against Detroit.Kepler's two-run double in the eighth inning gave him 55 RBI on the year, most among AL rookies. The 23-year-old has hit safely in 15 of 23 games during August to earn his highest on-base percentage of any month this season. On the other hand, the outfielder's power has dipped a bit as Kepler is currently in the midst of a season-long 20 game homerless streak.
Aug 21 2016Kepler is out of the lineup Sunday against the Royals, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.Squaring off against southpaw Danny Duffy and the Royals, Kepler and his left-handed bat will take a seat, opening the door for Danny Santana to get the start in right field. Kepler didn't start Saturday against a righty, which is a bit odd, as he'll end up getting three straight days of rest with a team day off on the calendar Monday. No injury has been reported, however, so look for Kepler to return during the upcoming three-game series against Detroit.
Aug 7 2016Kepler went 2-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's win over the Rays.The steal was Kepler's fourth of the season and second in six games as he tries to remind people that he can do more than just hit lots of homers. He's now hitting .370 (10-for-27) through the early part of August with four HR, 11 RBI and nine runs scored plus the two SB.
Aug 2 2016Kepler went 1-for-2 with three walks, a two-run homer and crossed the plate three times in Tuesday's game versus the Indians.A night after crushing three longballs, the right fielder went deep again on Tuesday for his 15th of the season. Kepler's third-inning shot gave him 13 blasts since June 25, the highest total in all of baseball during that span. He'll face Trevor Bauer on Wednesday, a right-hander who Kepler is 0-for-3 with one strikeout against so far this season.
Aug 1 2016Kepler hit three home runs and tallied six RBI in a 4-for-6 game in Monday's win over Cleveland.Kepler was already impressing with his power, with 11 home runs and 26 total extra-base hits in just 61 games entering Monday. With the performance, Kepler became just the fifth in Twins history to hit three home runs in a single game, joining Justin Morneau, Harmon Killebrew, Bob Allison and Tony Oliva. He is now tied for third on the rookie home run leaderboard with Aledmys Diaz and Tommy Joseph with 14 apiece. Only Corey Seager (18) and Trevor Story (27) have more.
Jul 31 2016Kepler Is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.Kepler gets to take a seat Sunday while the Twins employ a heavy right-handed stack of the lineup that includes a number of switch hitters. Danny Santana (one of the switch hitters) will make just his third start in right field this season, replacing Kepler and batting seventh for Minnesota.
Jul 28 2016Kepler went 2-for-3 with a walk, solo home run, two RBI and two runs Thursday against the Orioles.The outfielder's 11th dinger of the season tied the game 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth and kick started the 6-2 comeback victory. Kepler's average has dipped a bit this month, but he's more than compensated for that by unloading for an AL-leading eight home runs in July. The rookie out of Germany seems to be putting it all together right in time for the fantasy playoff season.
Jul 27 2016Kepler is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Braves.Coming off an 0-for-4 outing on Tuesday, Kepler, who's played in every game since the All-Star break, will have the night off and be replaced by Danny Santana in right field. Kepler will likely return to his normal spot in the lineup Thursday when the Twins face the Orioles.
Jul 17 2016Kepler went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Sunday against the Indians.Kepler's ninth homer of 2016 provided the only run the Twins would score in a home loss. He's clubbed six of his nine bombs this month to raise his slugging percentage to .478 on the season.
Jul 11 2016Kepler went 1-for-5 with a grand slam and two runs in Sunday's 15-5 victory over the Rangers.The rookie came through with a 393-foot shot to left center in the fifth that brought home Kennys Vargas, Joe Mauer and Eduardo Escobar, his first career grand slam. The emerging Kepler already has a whopping 18 RBI in July, with 14 of those notably coming against Rangers pitching. Although he's understandably still adjusting to major league pitching, the 23-year-old is starting to deliver on some of his considerable potential, and provides a reason for optimism in an otherwise forgettable season for the Twins franchise.
Jul 7 2016Kepler went 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBI Thursday at the Rangers.Kepler's launched his seventh bomb of the year to extend the Twins lead to 8-0 in the eighth inning of a game they'd win easily. He's now homered four times over his last six games to raise his slugging percentage to .492 on the season.
Jul 6 2016Kepler went 1-for-3 with a home run in Tuesday's win over Oakland. He's hit three home runs in his last four gamesKepler had the home run against a left-handed pitcher as he's shown progress the past few games against lefties. He should remain the regular in right field the rest of the season with Miguel Sano moving back to third base and DH.
Jul 2 2016Kepler went 2-for-5 with two home runs and seven RBI in Saturday's win over Texas.The seven RBI in the game were a Twins rookie record. He's hitting .350 (7-for-20) in his last six games with three home runs. It looks like he's locked in as a starter in the outfield for the foreseeable future.
Jun 19 2016Kepler starred in Sunday's win over the Yankees, finishing 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base.The young outfielder had the most productive game of his young career, swiping his first base while notching his first three-hit game as well. He has hit safely in six consecutive games and nine of his last 10, and he could begin to climb toward the top of the impotent Twins lineup soon if he continues to produce.
Jun 18 2016Kepler started in right field and went 1-for-3 in Saturday's loss to the Yankees. He's hit safely in eight of his last nine games.With Oswaldo Arcia designated for assignment, Kepler should remain the starting right fielder until Miguel Sano returns from the DL.
Jun 12 2016Kepler went 1-for-5 with a three-run, walk-off blast in the 10th inning of Sunday's win over the Red Sox.He absolutely crushed a Matt Barnes fastball to straightaway center field for his first major league home run, and Kepler couldn't have picked a better time for it. The German rookie now has four hits in his last three games and should continue to earn playing time as long as he keeps producing.
Jun 12 2016Kepler will make his third straight start in right field Sunday against the Red Sox, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports. He'll bat sixth in the lineup.It appears the Twins are content to proceed with Kepler as their primary option in the corner outfield as long as Miguel Sano (hamstring) remains on the DL. Kepler has collected three hits in his last two games, while also reaching base on a walk and scoring a run.
Jun 11 2016Kepler started in right field and went 2-for-4 in Friday's loss to the Red Sox.Kepler had been on the bench the last two games, but Oswaldo Arcia suffered a foot injury Thursday. Kepler may return to regular duty in right field as a result.
Jun 8 2016Kepler is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins.Kepler had started six straight games after Miguel Sano (hamstring) landed on the disabled list, so it appears he's emerged as manager Paul Molitor's preferred option in right field. He's hitting just 4-for-23 (.174) in that span though, so Wednesday's starter Oswaldo Arcia could potentially cut into Kepler's playing time.
Jun 4 2016Kepler started a third consecutive game in right field and went 1-for-4. He also had a key error in the field.Kepler bobbled a throw back into the infield on a base hit which led to the go-ahead run being scored. Still, it looks like the Twins are going to give him some steady playing time with Miguel Sano on the DL due to a strained hamstring.
Jun 2 2016Kepler went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a strikeout against the Rays on Thursday.The two hits moved Kepler's batting average to an even .200 on the year, and this was his first multi-hit game of the campaign. Three of Kepler's four hits this season have gone for extra bases, so at the very least there's power in his bat. His fantasy value should increase once he starts making contact consistently. At the very least, he's expected to see regular playing time while Miguel Sano (hamstring) is on the DL.
Jun 1 2016Kepler was recalled from Triple-A Rochester.Kepler was hitting .282/.367/.455 in 30 games at Triple-A. He was called up in April, but spent most of his time on the bench with just 12 at-bats in nine games. He may get a shot at more at-bats this time as he could get starts in left or right field with Miguel Sano on the DL with a strained hamstring.
Jun 1 2016Kepler started in right field and went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's loss to Oakland. He could get regular playing time with Miguel Sano on the DL with a hamstring strain. "He's going to get a chance, more than he did the other time around, and we'll see how he does," manager Paul Molitor told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.Molitor will probably split playing time in right field between Kepler and Oswaldo Arcia with Sano out, but it sounds like Kepler could carve out a starting role if he gets hot at the plate. Kepler was called up in April, but spent most of his time on the bench with just 12 at-bats in nine games.
Jun 30 2015Kepler is hitting .336/.407/.534 with three home runs and 12 stolen bases for Double-A Chattanooga.Kepler appears to finally be putting it all together at age 22 after glimpses of his promise in stretches in the minors the past few years. He'll likely be promoted to Triple-A in the second half of the season.
May 17 2015Kepler, who was slowed by a forearm strain during spring training, is hitting .308/.351/.439 for Double-A New Britain.Kepler played six games at High-A Fort Myers to begin the season as he worked his way back from the forearm injury. It's nice to see him have a strong start to the year, as he's had two lackluster seasons in a row. He's just 22 and may have a later development cycle since he started playing baseball late in his native Germany, but he'll need to show promise this season at Double-A to continue to be considered a top prospect in the organization.
Apr 14 2014Kepler is off to a slow start at High-A Fort Myers, hitting just .111 (3-for-27) through eight games.Kepler has played most of his games in center field, after mostly playing first base last season. It's early in the season and he's still regarded as a top Twins prospect, but we'd like to see him get going at the plate after he hit just .237/.312/.424 in 61 games at Low-A Cedar Rapids last season.
Nov 20 2013Kepler was added to the Twins' 40-man roster Wednesday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.A strained left elbow cost Kepler the first two and a half months of the 2013 season, and he went on to hit just .237/.312/.424 in 61 games at Low-A Cedar Rapids. Despite the mediocre numbers, the 20-year-old is still held in high regard and was chosen to compete with "elite-level prospects" in the Arizona Fall League. Still a ways away from the majors, the Twins added Kepler to the 40-man to protect him from next month's Rule 5 draft.
Jun 25 2013Kepler went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run for Low-A Cedar Rapids on Tuesday.Kepler, returning from an elbow injury, desperately needs the reps after playing just 59 games last year. He's a good athlete and over the next few years hopefully he can develop into a good baseball player.
Apr 20 2013Kepler will miss a few more weeks because of a left elbow strain, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.Kepler hasn't begun his minor league season as he's been in extended spring training. He's expected to start the season at Low-A Cedar Rapids.