4 weeks agoPhiladelphia Phillies outfielder
Max Kepler (back) is starting in left field and batting third in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber. Kepler was removed from Sunday's spring training game due to a back injury after he crashed into the outfield wall, but he'll only end up missing one day. It means that the 32-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder will be ready to go for Opening Day next Thursday, March 27, versus the division-rival Washington Nationals on the road in D.C. In theory, Kepler should be more attractive as a depth outfielder in deep-mixed fantasy leagues in 2025 with the move to a more potent lineup in Philly, and he'll enter the season as the club's primary left fielder on the strong side of a platoon against right-handed pitchers. However, the German native is an injury risk and has played in over 150 games just once in 10 big-league seasons.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
4 weeks agoMLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder
Max Kepler (back) is dealing with a bruised lower back and doesn't currently have a timetable for a return. Kepler collided with the outfield wall in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Baltimore Orioles and had to leave the game. The 32-year-old veteran wasn't in the lineup on Monday and will apparently miss a bit more time at the tail end of camp. With Opening Day coming next Thursday, March 27, against the division-rival Washington Nationals, it's entirely possible that he'll have to open his first year in Philly on the injured list. When healthy, Kepler should be on the strong side of a platoon in left field, but he may need to pick it up offensively in order to keep that role. The injury-prone outfielder played in only 105 games in his final season with the Twins and hit .253 with eight home runs and 42 RBI.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
4 weeks agoPhiladelphia Phillies outfielder
Max Kepler (undisclosed) exited Sunday's contest after colliding with the left field wall. He was replaced by
Christian Arroyo. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely provide an update after the contest. However, he was able to exit the game on his own power, which is a positive sign. Earlier in the winter, the Phillies signed Kepler to a one-year deal worth $10 million. When healthy, he will likely be on the strong side of a platoon in left field alongside
Brandon Marsh. Last season, Kepler posted a .253/.302/.380 slash line with 21 doubles and eight home runs. He generated a modest .247 xBA with a .381 xSLG. If Kepler were to miss time early in the season, Marsh would likely have a full-time role in left field.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Todd Zolecki
2 months agoPhiladelphia Phillies outfielder
Max Kepler (knee) was able to face live pitching on Sunday and appears to be past the knee injury that cut his 2024 campaign short. Kepler was shut down from baseball activities after September 1 due to left patellar tendinitis. However, seeing the 32-year-old face live pitching early in spring training suggests he will not see any restrictions during camp. Earlier in the offseason, the Phillies signed Kepler to a one-year $10 million contract. Last season in Minnesota, Kepler posted a .253/.302/.380 line with eight home runs. However, during the 2023 campaign, Kepler held a strong .260/.332/.484 line with 24 long balls. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training but should expect him to be on the strong side of a platoon in a corner outfield position alongside
Brandon Marsh.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Corey Seidman
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