Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The plan is for Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (knee) to run the bases at Target Field on Tuesday or Wednesday, and a rehab assignment could come shortly thereafter. Kepler was placed on the injured list last Tuesday with a right knee contusion he sustained on Opening Day, as he was still experiencing soreness after trying to play through the issue following a few days of rest. If all goes well in his recovery, the 31-year-old righty masher should be able to return to the banged-up Twins before the end of April. Not only did Kepler struggle during the spring, but he also went just 1-for-20 to begin the regular season before going down and doesn't need to be stashed in most fantasy leagues. More at-bats will remain available to Matt Wallner, Manuel Margot, and Austin Martin in Minnesota's outfield in the interim, but none of which are worth rostering in the majority of settings at this time.

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (oblique) is set to throw a bullpen session ahead of Tuesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The right-hander continues to work his way back from an oblique strain that has sidelined him since the start of the season. The 26-year-old could progress to facing live hitters if Tuesday's session goes well. The hope is that Duran can be back on the mound for the Twins by the start of May. In the meantime, the Twins are likely to continue using a committee approach in the ninth inning. Out of everyone, Griffin Jax appears to be the favorite to get saves while Duran is out.

Minnesota Twins second baseman Edouardo Julien is staying at second base and batting ninth on Monday against left-hander Cole Irvin and the Baltimore Orioles. This will be the second straight time that Julien has stayed in Minnesota's starting lineup with the team facing a southpaw. It will be a boost for Julien's fantasy stock if he continues to play every day, although his move from the leadoff spot to the nine-hole will make him a bat to fade in DFS lineups. The Canadian infielder does have four home runs in his first 14 games of 2024, but he's also gone just 9-for-46 (.196) with five RBI, a stolen base and seven runs scored in 52 trips to the plate. Julien has never faced Irvin in his career.

Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (side) is dealing with a mild right intercostal strain. The Twins initially listed Correa's injury as a right oblique strain, but the team changed its diagnosis after he underwent additional imaging. The timeline for Correa will be announced next week. Correa is eligible to come off the injured list on April 22. Willi Castro started at shortstop for Correa in both games of Saturday's doubleheader and should see an uptick in playing time. Castro went for 2-for-8 with a double, two-run homer, a walk, and three runs scored over both games on Saturday. Fantasy managers searching for speed can look to add Castro to most leagues after he stole 34 bases in 2023.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton will be getting some rest during the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. Buxton has appeared in all 11 games so far, batting a cumulative .220/.273/.293 stat line with no home runs. Buxton is expected to be starting in center field for the second game later this afternoon and is projected to face Matt Manning. As a result, Austin Martin will man center field and bat in the nine-hole. Martin is a sneaky play in DFS as he will take on Kenta Maeda, who has struggled in his first two starts, pitching to the tune of a 9.00 ERA and 1.56 WHIP.