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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kepler is hitting .336/.407/.534 with three home runs and 12 stolen bases for Double-A Chattanooga. Kepler appears to finally be putting it all together at age 22 after glimpses of his promise in stretches in the minors the past few years. He'll likely be promoted to Triple-A in the second half of the season.

Kepler, who was slowed by a forearm strain during spring training, is hitting .308/.351/.439 for Double-A New Britain. Kepler played six games at High-A Fort Myers to begin the season as he worked his way back from the forearm injury. It's nice to see him have a strong start to the year as he's had two lackluster seasons in a row. He's just 22 and may have a later development cycle since he started playing baseball late in his native Germany, but he'll need to show promise this season at Double-A to continue to be considered a top prospect in the organization.