Kepler is not in the lineup Sunday against the Nationals, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (back) does not have a timetable for his return to action, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (undisclosed) was removed from Sunday's game against the Orioles, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler collided with the wall in left field while making a catch. He was able to jog off the field under his own power but was replaced by Christian Arroyo at the top of the second frame. Kepler's removal from Sunday's game is likely out of precaution, but he'll undergo further tests with trainers in the clubhouse.

Kepler (knee) faced live pitching Sunday and appears to be back to full health for spring training, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (knee) agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with Philadelphia, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. The deal is pending a physical.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (knee/hip) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Manager 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kepler (knee) will take live batting practice Monday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.