Kepler was lifted from Thursday's game against the Rays in the first inning with an undisclosed injury, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler was trying to bunt for a hit in his first plate appearance and hurt himself while sliding into first base. It's not clear what injury the outfielder is dealing with, but the Twins should have more on Kepler's status soon.

Kepler (elbow) went 1-for-5 in a win over the A's in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader.

EDGE Analysis

After being hit by a pitch on the elbow Friday, Kepler was held out Saturday and for the first game of Sunday's twin bill. He was back in the lineup for Game 2, however, and appears to be in the clear moving forward. Trade rumors have followed Kepler for several seasons, but he continues to fill a prominent role against right-handed pitching for Minnesota. The 31-year-old remains an above-average offensive contributor thanks in part to the limited exposure to lefties (.261/.323/.426 overall this season).

Kepler (elbow) is out of the lineup for the opening game of Sunday's doubleheader with the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

The Twins are facing southpaw JP Sears in the first game of the day, so the lefty-hitting Kepler might not have been included in the lineup even if he wasn't nursing a sore elbow. Kepler could still be a candidate to start in the nightcap, when the Athletics will send right-hander Joey Estes to the hill.

Kepler is absent from Saturday's lineup against the Athletics due to a sore elbow, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler was hit by a pitch on the elbow Friday, and according to manager Rocco Baldelli, the outfielder is sore and dealing with some stiffness. Baldelli said that Kepler will probably "need a day or two," but the injury isn't considered to be a long-term concern.

Kepler is not in the starting lineup Saturday versus the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler will take a seat after he went 4-for-7 with a home run, four RBI and two runs scored over the first two games of the series. Trevor Larnach will slide over to right field while Austin Martin enters the lineup in left field and bats ninth against Oakland.

Kepler went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in Friday's win over Oakland.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler did most of his damage with a three-run shot in the sixth inning but later delivered a clutch walk-off single in the 10th. He entered Friday's game with a .398 OPS in 11 games this month and the home run was his first since May 22. Kepler is now slashing .263/.326/.433 with 19 extra-base knocks and 27 RBI through 190 plate appearances.

Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

With lefty Austin Gomber toeing the slab for the Rockies, the left-handed-hitting Kepler will get a breather. Manuel Margot will handle right field for the Twins.

Kepler isn't in the Twins' lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Southpaw Carlos Rodon will toe the slab for New York on Wednesday, meaning the lefty-hitting Kepler will retreat to the bench to begin the game. His absence will allow Manuel Margot to start in right field while batting in the leadoff spot.

Kepler will sit Saturday versus the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Kepler will take a seat as Minnesota faces left-hander Framber Valdez on Saturday. Manuel Margot will replace Kepler in right field and bat leadoff against Houston.

Kepler is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

With Thursday's contest being a day game after a night game, manager Rocco Baldelli will give rest to several key regulars. Along with Kepler, Edouard Julien, Alex Kirilloff and Trevor Larnach will rest as the Twins open up room in the lineup for reserves Manuel Margot, Kyle Farmer, Carlos Santana and Christian Vazquez.