Outfielder Max Kepler Out of Minnesota Twins' Lineup Due to Foot Injury

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler is not starting against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, per the team's official lineup card.

Kepler last played Monday night against the Tigers, but he was forced to leave the game early after getting hit by a pitch in his right foot. According to The Athletic's Dan Hayes, Kepler was reportedly moving around fine after the game.

Last season, Kepler was hit by another pitch against the Tigers, eventually getting diagnosed with a right fifth toe fracture. The veteran went on the 10-day injured list on June 6, and he wasn't activated until Aug. 6.

Kepler is in the midst of his most productive season since before the COVID-19 pandemic, hitting .238 with 18 home runs, 43 RBI and a .766 OPS through 87 appearances. The 30-year-old has been a regular in Minnesota's outfield since 2016, making him the second-longest tenured Twin alongside shortstop Jorge Polanco.

After a shaky start to the season that featured a batting average below the Mendoza Line, Kepler had turned things around in the six weeks leading up to his injury.

Kepler was batting .298 with a .908 OPS since June 30, and the Twins were 20-12 in those games. His improved bat helped Minnesota take hold of first place in the AL Central, as they now boast a 5.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians.

It remains to be seen if Kepler will miss additional time, or if this is just a rest day for the banged-up outfielder.

Former first round pick and top-five prospect Matt Wallner, who is hitting .268 with a .955 OPS through 31 games this season, is starting in right field in Kepler's place Tuesday. The 25-year-old Wallner had been a constant in Minnesota's lineup even before Kepler's injury, spending most of the past three weeks in left field and at designated hitter.