Minnesota Twins: Max Kepler On Hot Streak, Has Hits In Nine Straight Games
Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler is on a nine-game hitting streak. While he is currently hot, Kepler has been a key factor in Twins wins this season.
The Minnesota Twins continue to hold the top spot in the American League Central division after the first week of June. A key to the success they have had is players stepping up to make the team better. Max Kepler is taking advantage of his time to step up, as he is riding a pretty steady streak right now.
Kepler is currently on a nine-game hitting streak. His current streak was needed, as Kepler was starting to dip in production at the plate. Since his hitting streak has started, Kepler has raised his batting average from .259 to .267, almost up to the .270 average he had just over two weeks ago.
Kepler’s numbers during the streak have been outstanding. He is batting .316 with two home runs and five runs batted in since starting the streak on May 29th against the Houston Astros. Since June started, Kepler has batted .320.
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He helps round out a talented lineup.
Kepler is a valuable part of their lineup, being a supporting character in a lineup that boasts All-Star second baseman Brian Dozier, clubhouse leader Joe Mauer and red-hot slugger Miguel Sano. That Twins lineup has the weapons, but it is an even scarier lineup when Kepler is producing like his current pace.
While there are offensive weapons with more power and better averages, Kepler has helped the Twins win. He has the third highest wins above replacement total on the team with a 2.1 mark. The only players in front of him are Sano and the revived Ervin Santana. His offensive WAR is second on the team behind Sano, whose bat is unmatched in the Twins lineup.
Not only is Kepler producing at the plate, but he also helps the team win by being their best possible outfield option. His WAR and OWAR are among the top on the team, and his defensive WAR is not far behind. His 0.6 mark is fourth on the team. He is clicking on all cylinders and it hasn’t been just during his current streak.
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Kepler’s hot streak is a flash of what he could do in the Twins lineup on a consistent basis. While his hot streak has been great, he has produced all year and emerged as the Twins’ best outfielder in 2017. If he can get through the hot and cold streaks and learn consistency, he will be a force to go along with Sano in the Twins lineup for years to come.