Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Sat 4/20/19 3:13 PM

Kepler is out of the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader with the Orioles, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
EDGE Analysis
With Kepler resting for the afternoon portion of the twin bill, Jake Cave will check in as the Twins' right fielder and hit sixth. Jorge Polanco will handle Kepler's usual duties as the leadoff man.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Mon 4/15/19 3:26 PM

Kepler is out of the lineup Monday against the Blue Jays.
EDGE Analysis
Kepler has started every game for the Twins this season and is riding a 10-game hitting streak. Jake Cave will take over for him in right field.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Sun 4/7/19 9:21 PM

Kepler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Sunday against the Phillies.
EDGE Analysis
Kepler got the Twins into the scoring column during the first inning with a solo blast to right center, although the Phillies would take the lead in the sixth with a home run of their own. He put on a display of power over the weekend in Philadelphia and registered three homers along with four RBI over that stretch.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Sat 4/6/19 12:33 AM

Kepler went 1-for-5, hitting a two-run homer in a 10-4 loss to Phillies on Friday.
EDGE Analysis
The 26-year-old is still hitting .200 (5-for-25), but he got rid of the goose egg in the home run category. Kepler also has four RBI and two runs scored this season. He hit 20 home runs for the first time last year, but he had 19 bombs in 2017. Kepler should be in the 20-homer neighborhood again if healthy this season.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Sat 3/30/19 12:58 PM

Kepler will start in right field and lead off Saturday in the Twins' game against the Indians, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Twins' spring lineups hinted that Kepler would likely begin the season as the leadoff hitter, and that's proven true for the first two games. It's worth noting that the Twins have faced a pair of right-handed starters (Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer) in the two contests, so Kepler could end up dropping in the batting order versus left-handed pitching.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Mon 3/18/19 9:10 PM

Kepler batted leadoff in Monday's spring training game that may have been a dress rehearsal for Opening Day, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "He's taken to [hitting leadoff] very well, he's had very positive comments and remarks with all of us on the idea, and it's something we're going to see going forward," said manager Rocco Baldelli.
EDGE Analysis
It looks like Kepler will hit leadoff most days, but Baldelli will likely alter his lineup frequently based on matchups. Kepler had a 11.6 percent walk rate last season, so he could improve on his .314 OBP last year if he has better luck on balls in play (.236 BABIP). Hitting leadoff should boost his fantasy value slightly with more at-bats and could lead to a few more stolen base attempts as well.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Sun 2/24/19 8:07 PM

Kepler went 2-for-2 with a walk and two home runs in Sunday's spring training loss to Boston. He batted leadoff and could be used in the leadoff role against right-handed pitchers this season, manager Rocco Baldelli told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
EDGE Analysis
It sounds like the Twins may vary their leadoff hitter frequently based on matchups, but Kepler remains a candidate for the role. He was not used in the leadoff role last season. He certanly got his spring training off on the right foot after signing a a five-year, $35 million extension before camp began.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Thu 2/14/19 12:32 PM

Kepler signed a five-year, $35 million extension with the Twins on Thursday that includes an option, Jon Heyman of FancredSports.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Twins are working to lock up some of their young assets for the long-term, and Kepler is no exception. He'll remain with the Twins at least through his first three years of free agency with the chance of sticking around the year after. Now, it's Kepler's turn to prove he's worth the money after posting a .224/.319/.408 slash line with 20 home runs and 80 runs in 611 plate appearances last season.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Fri 1/11/19 1:37 PM

Kepler signed a one-year, $3.125 million contract with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Kepler has been a full-time player in the majors for the last two years in Minnesota, and has a .233/.316/.416 slash line with 39 home runs in 303 games. The 25-year-old should get plenty of chances in the outfield in 2019 due to his power and plus-defending in right field.

Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Sat 9/29/18 4:30 PM

Kepler is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the White Sox, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
EDGE Analysis
Kepler takes a seat as he is slashing .128/.263/.191 with eight walks in his last 57 plate appearances. Robbie Grossman is starting in right field for the Twins, as Johnny Field takes over in left field.