Kepler left Saturday's game against the Royals after appearing to hurt himself while running to first base, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Twins have yet to specify the nature of the injury, but it would be a surprise if it wasn't related to the lingering hamstring issue that he's been mostly able to play through over the past few weeks. The team previously expressed optimism that Kepler could avoid a trip to the injured list via careful management, but Saturday's setback could lead to a change of plans.

Kepler (hamstring) is starting Saturday's game against the Royals, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler was held out of Friday's lineup due to a lingering hamstring issue, but he'll play right field and lead off Saturday. Manager Rocco Baldelli is hopeful that Kepler can avoid a trip to the injured list, and the Twins could monitor his playing time in the coming days to prevent against a long-term issue.

Kepler'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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler will sit Friday against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler hits the bench against lefty Kris Bubic. He's started eight times against southpaws this season but has now been on the bench against each of the last three. Kyle Garlick will start in right field in his absence.

Kepler is batting leadoff as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (undisclosed) isn't starting Monday's game against the Orioles, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Manager 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI, two runs scored and a walk in Friday's win over Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler isn't starting Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (hamstring) is batting fourth and starting in center field Tuesday against the White Sox, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.