Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (knee) is still not running. Kepler exited Minnesota's 4-1 Opening Day win over the Kansas City Royals after he fouled a ball off his right knee in the top of the eighth inning, but X-rays revealed no fracture and that he's only dealing with a contusion. Though Twins president Derek Falvey said on Saturday that Kepler was in the clear from a medical standpoint, the pain was still preventing the 31-year-old right fielder from running, per manager Rocco Baldelli, who noted that an injured-list stint could be an option if Kepler is still unable to play for the start of a two-game road set against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday. The big-armed Matt Wallner would take the majority of reps in right field if Kepler remains out of action, and he's worth considering in fantasy leagues for power numbers after he smacked 14 home runs in 213 at-bats last year.

Minnesota Twins prospect Austin Martin is making his first career big-league start on Sunday against right-hander Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals. Martin is making the start in center field and is hitting ninth for the Twins. With Martin in center field, Byron Buxton will get a day off his feet and will serve as the designated hitter while batting third. Martin, the team's No. 15 prospect per MLB Pipeline, got his first major-league call-up on Saturday when the Twins put Royce Lewis (quadriceps) on the injured list, and the 25-year-old utility man could stick around for a while with Lewis' injury being pretty serious. The fifth overall pick in 2020 out of Tennessee hasn't really lived up to his draft billing, but he provides defensive versatility for Minnesota and has good plate discipline while rarely striking out in the minors. He's worth a pickup in AL-only leagues.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (leg) remains out of the starting lineup on Sunday as the team faces off against the Kansas City Royals. Kepler fouled a ball off his right leg on Opening Day on Thursday and hasn't appeared for the Twins since, although X-rays came back negative on his leg. Matt Wallner is starting in right field for the Twins on Sunday and is hitting fifth in the batting order versus right-hander Brady Singer. Fantasy managers should consider Kepler day-to-day for now, and with another off day coming for the Twins on Monday, there's a good chance that Kepler will be able to return to the team's starting lineup on Tuesday, April 2, against the Milwaukee Brewers on the road. Wallner is hitless in his two at-bats so far this year with a walk and a strikeout.

Minnesota Twins second baseman Edouard Julien is getting his first start of the 2024 season on Saturday against Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo. Julien started Thursday's Opening Day contest on the bench against the left-handed Cole Ragans but went 1-for-2 with a walk after infielder Royce Lewis departed with an oblique injury. The 24-year-old enjoyed a big rookie season that saw him hit .263 with 16 home runs, 60 runs, three stolen bases, and an .840 OPS across 109 games and 408 trips to the plate. He should see more playing time in the 2024 season as the everyday second baseman against right-handed pitching as he spent time to begin last season in the minors. That won't be the case in 2024 as he is a premium option for fantasy managers at the second-base position.

Minnesota Twins right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (forearm) has undergone flexor tendon surgery that will end his season before it begins. The veteran was recently placed on the 60-day injured list but will now look ahead to the 2025 campaign. The veteran went from the Giants to the Mariners in the Robbie Ray trade this winter before moving to the Twins in a trade that saw long-time Twin Jorge Polanco head to the M's. Originally slated for long-relief work and starting pitching depth with the Twins in 2024, DeSclafani posted a 4.88 ERA across 19 outings (18 starts) and 99 2/3 innings of work with the Giants last season and owns a career 4.20 ERA in 942 2/3 innings of work, most of which came as a starter.