Kepler is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Tigers, the Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports.

EDGE Analysis

He is slashing .217/.280/.261 with a 28 percent strikeout rate through the first six games of the season, so the matchup against lefty Matt Boyd seems like a perfect time to give him a day off. Danny Santana is starting in right field and hitting ninth.

Kepler will bat second Wednesday against the Royals, LaVelle Neal of the Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler batted out of the No. 8 spot on Opening Day against lefty Danny Duffy, but he'll shoot all the way to the two-hole against right-hander Ian Kennedy. As a 23-year-old last season, Kepler hit .248/.325/.468 against right-handed pitching, with 15 homers in 278 plate appearances. He struggled throughout the spring, however, going 8-for-53 (.151 average) with 12 strikeouts.

Kepler (finger) is scheduled to play in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays, LaVelle Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler was able to perform all baseball activities with no limitations, so the Twins appear confident that the pinkie injury he sustained Saturday isn't a concern. The Twins may opt to use him in the outfield right away rather than at DH, as Robbie Grossman exited Sunday's game against the Red Sox with groin tightness and could be sidelined for at least a few days.

Kepler (finger) underwent X-rays after exiting Saturday's game, but the scan came back negative and the Twins are considering him day-to-day, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is encouraging news for Kepler and the Twins' young outfield corps after he was removed following a diving catch against the Red Sox. Robbie Grossman, who replaced Kepler in the outfield Saturday, could draw a couple starts in the coming days if the Twins opt to keep Kepler on the bench for a few games.

Kepler was removed from Saturday's game for precautionary reasons after suffering an abrasion on his glove hand, Mike Berardino of The Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Robbie Grossman has come on to replace Kepler after the young outfielder appeared to injure his hand making a diving catch in Saturday's game. Fortunately, the decision to remove Kepler was precautionary, so there isn't major concern over his injury at this time. Still, it will be worth monitoring whether Kepler is back in the lineup for Sunday's matchup with the Red Sox.

Kepler went 0-for-3 in Monday's spring training game. Despite hitting just .125 (2-for-16) this spring, he has the confidence of manager Paul Molitor. "He's looked really good, overall, to me, He's really picking up on the details on defense. He has a more aggressive mind-set and is trusting his swing. So far, I think he's had a good camp," Molitor told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler is expected to be the everyday right fielder after hitting 17 home runs in his first extended time in the majors last season. Kepler draws walks at a good clip, made strong contact in the minors and has some speed on the basepaths, but needs to improve against left-handed pitching (.595 OPS last year) and make fewer errors in the outfield.

Kepler is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler will be held out in favor of Logan Schafer on Friday with the Twins taking on White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon. Schafer also hits left-handed, but is regarded as the better defender between the two.

Kepler (neck) is back in the lineup Saturday against the Mariners, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was reported Thursday that Kepler was diagnosed with a mild neck strain. Given the nature of the injury, it seemed likely Kepler would need a couple days, but he will slot back in Saturday after missing just one start. Kepler was riding high there for a while but has crashed back to earth in September with a .182/.217/.212 batting line.

Kepler (neck strain) is available off the bench Friday, the Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports.

EDGE Analysis

He says his neck felt much better Friday after suffering the neck strain in Thursday's game. This is excellent news, as it suggests he could be back in the lineup as soon as Saturday. Logan Schafer is starting in his place and hitting eighth Friday.

Kepler (neck strain) is not in Friday's lineup against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

This is not surprising, as Kepler seems poised to miss at least a few days, given the nature of the injury. However, the team has not provided a timetable for his return, so he will remain loosely listed as day-to-day. Logan Schafer is starting in right field and hitting eighth Friday.