Kepler left Monday's game against the Marlins with an apparent injury, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler appeared to hurt himself while hustling down the first base line before leaving with a trainer. The outfielder has been replaced by Kyle Farmer.

Kepler 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (hip) played in a minor league game Thursday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler was removed from Sunday's spring game against Atlanta due to left hip tightness. However, it doesn't sound like the injury is serious and he's expected to play in another minor league game Friday.

Kepler was removed from Sunday's spring game against Atlanta due to left hip tightness, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Minnesota 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (leg) isn't in the lineup Thursday against Kansas City.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (leg) isn't starting Wednesday against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

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.