Promising Twins outfielder Max Kepler has been a bright spot in the lineup this season.
He entered Monday with a solid slash line of .277/.342/.492. And of the 18 games he’s played in this season, Kepler has at least a hit in all but five.
He’s also been spraying the ball all over the field, as nine of his 18 hits this season have gone for extra bases.
According to ESPN’s Stats and Info, Kepler is punishing baseballs. His 22 percent hard-hit rate is best on the team and 22nd best in the majors – ahead of two-time MVP Mike Trout.
The Berlin, Germany, native hit .235 during his rookie season last year, but he showed promise with his power, muscling 18 home runs in just 113 games.
Kepler slugged his second home run of the season on Sunday, in the Twins’ loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Manager Paul Molitor has moved Kepler around in the lineup this season. The only spots he hasn’t started in are at leadoff and the No. 3 spot.
