PT TOMORROW: AL Central—Kepler reaching the stars

Minnesota Twins

In the July 11 Minneapolis Star Tribune, author Michael Rand made an interesting case for the Twins to give Joe Mauer (1B, MIN) a few days off each week. This could let the young guns have more PT and improve Mauer's own plate results. Rand reasonably noted Mauer's $23M per year salary thru 2018 will keep him from being completely benched, but have the kids on the club earned their opportunities?

Sliding into a full-time gig June 1, Max Kepler (OF/1B, MIN; pictured above) has made significant contributions to the offense, cracking eight HR and driving home 33 in 131 AB. His batting average during the period is a bit low at .244, but it's on a 26% h%, 75% ct% and 10% bb%. Overall, his xBA is a more respectable .275. On...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

With a number of position battles still underway in the NL West, extra spring training reps for competing players may be the difference between a regular role in the show and a possible trip back to the minors.
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
It's time for the World Baseball Classic; who will see more playing time while players represent their countries in the tournament?
Mar 6 2026 3:05am
Sal Perez's absence for the WBC could mean it's Carter Jensen's time to shine in Royals camp. Plus, looks at WBC impacts on all AL Central rosters.
Mar 5 2026 3:10am
With players leaving camp to play in the WBC, who could gain some playing time increases in the AL West?
Mar 4 2026 3:10am
A rejuvenated Eloy Jiménez has stood out in early Grapefruit League action and should continue to get at-bats with many Toronto regulars playing in the WBC. Plus, more WBC fallout from around the division.
Mar 3 2026 3:03am

Tools