Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Sat 4/23/16 11:21 AM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler is starting in center field and hitting seventh Saturday, the Star Tribune's LaVelle Neal reports.
EDGE Analysis
Byron Buxton is one of the coldest hitters in the league, having struck out in seven of his last 14 at-bats, so if the Twins' field staff likes the way Kepler handles center field, he could start to see more regular looks out there. As long as he's in a bench/utility role, it's hard to own Kepler in single-season leagues, but he would become very intriguing if he found his way to regular playing time. He actually makes for an intriguing cheap play in daily leagues Saturday, with righty Tanner Roark on the mound for the Nationals.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Wed 4/13/16 4:50 PM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler is starting in right field and batting seventh versus the White Sox on Wednesday, Brandon Warne of Cold Omaha reports.
EDGE Analysis
Due to the struggles of Byung-ho Park, Kepler will garner a start in right field Wednesday as Miguel Sano replaces Park at designated hitter. The start is nice for the rookie, but he'll likely be used more as a defensive replacement going forward, limiting his value.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Sun 4/10/16 1:10 PM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Manager Paul Molitor confirmed Sunday that Kepler would be used primarily as a defensive replacement during his stint with the Twins, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Kepler was brought up from Triple-A Rochester late Saturday after Danny Santana was forced to the DL with a hamstring injury, but for the time being, it appears Molitor is comfortable with proceeding with Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton, and Eddie Rosario as his regular starters in the outfield. While Kepler could see the occasional spot start in addition to his duties as a late-inning defensive ace, he'll likely need either Buxton or Rosario to struggle at the dish if he hopes to claim regular at-bats.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Sat 4/9/16 10:59 PM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler was recalled by the Twins following Saturday's game, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
EDGE Analysis
With Danny Santana headed to the DL with a hamstring injury, Kepler was the choice to join the Twins, thanks to his versatility and the fact that he's already on the 40-man roster. Kepler would be an appealing add in all formats if he was headed for everyday at-bats, but that is clearly not the case here, at least not right away. Look for him to serve as a versatile outfielder/first baseman with a plus hit tool, good athleticism and developing power.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Fri 3/25/16 9:24 AM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler was optioned to Triple-A Rochester.
EDGE Analysis
Kepler hit just .233 (7-for-30) this spring but he was never seriously considered for the major league roster. Kepler could be called up to the majors early in the season if he plays well at Triple-A.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Tue 3/22/16 1:37 PM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's spring game due to a migraine headache, Phil Miller of The Star Tribune reports.
EDGE Analysis
Kepler's setback is not overly serious, but the Twins will hold him out Tuesday to let him rest and recover. Kepler is one of the Twins' top prospects, but he just reached the Double-A level last year for the first time, so his 2016 campaign figures to begin somewhere in the minors. He could be an option for the Twins at some point this season however, particularly if he is able to come close to the .930 OPS he posted over 118 games last season.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Tue 3/15/16 11:50 AM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler started in right field and went 2-for-3 in Monday's spring training loss to the Reds. He's hitting .333 (3-for-9) in nine games this spring.
EDGE Analysis
Despite showing some positive signs this spring, there's been no talk of him breaking camp with the big league club. The Twins appear set to begin the season with Byron Buxton in center field and Kepler playing around the outfield may show he's not being considered for the center field or left field role (with Eddie Rosario moving to center field). Kepler could be called up to the majors early in the season if he plays well at Triple-A.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Wed 11/11/15 2:41 PM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler should have an easier route to playing time in 2016 now that the Twins have traded Aaron Hicks to the Yankees in exchange for John Ryan Murphy.
EDGE Analysis
Eddie Rosario and Byron Buxton seem like locks to start most days, and while Miguel Sano has been talked about as a potential corner outfielder, the Hicks trade removes one or Kepler's potential road blocks. Kepler saw time at all three outfield spots, first base, and DH last year in the minor leagues, so his versatility should help him stay on the field. It's hard to argue that Kepler is not one of the Twins' nine best hitters on the 40-man roster, so one way or another he should find his way to 400-plus plate appearances in 2016.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Sun 10/4/15 11:26 AM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler is starting in right field and batting third in the order in Sunday's game against Kansas City, the Minenapolis Star Tribune reports.
EDGE Analysis
Kepler will get the first MLB start of his career on the final game of the season with the Twins eliminated from playoff contention.
Max Kepler LF/RF PHI Fri 7/10/15 6:03 PM
Max Kepler
LF/RF PHI
Kepler is dealing with a sore left shoulder, LaVelle Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
The extent of the injury is uncertain, but it will prevent Kepler from playing in this weekend's Futures Game. He has hit .335/.410/.534 with 22 doubles, eight triples, three homers and 12 steals in 65 games with Double-A Chattanooga this season.