Kepler will start in right field and bat seventh in Saturday's game against the Mariners, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.