Twins News: Max Kepler heads to IL, Top 5 prospect called up to replace him

It’s been a thrilling start to the Minnesota Twins season, but not everything is going smoothly. While the team is 5-2 and hot off a home opener walk-off win over the Houston Astros, the injury bug is starting to nibble away at the roster.

Max Kepler ended his slump at the plate in the first game of the series in Miami, blasting a solo home run to kick off an 11-1 victory over the Marlins.

He didn’t stick around for the whole game, though. After hustling out an infield single I’m the fourth inning, Kepler left the game. The Twins later announced that it was right knee soreness that took him out but Rocco Baldelli didn’t rule out Kepler being used in any upcoming games.

That didn’t happen, and now Kepler is headed to the IL. 

Minnesota made the move on Saturday, calling up Matt Wallner to take his spot on the roster. 

Losing Kepler doesn’t dramatically impact the lineup in itself, as the Twins were able to maneuver around his absence and didn’t miss his offense (which has yet to fully wake up).

However, combined with an injury to Joey Gallo the loss of Kepler is a little more complicated.

Thankfully Minnesota has Wallner to call up, who is considered a Top 5 prospect in the Twins farm system. He can play all over the outfield, which will help account for the loss of Kepler in right and Gallo in left. 

Gallo isn’t heading to the IL and is considered to be day-to-day.