With Opening Day fast approaching, the Philadelphia Phillies are feeling the pressure as a few key players work to recover from injuries late in Spring Training. The team has mostly stayed healthy this spring, but things took a turn when both Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler exited Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
The outlook for top veteran is positive, as he is expected to be back in the lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, veteran situation is less clear. While initial reports suggested he had avoided a major setback, his status grew more uncertain on Monday as he dealt with lingering injury concerns.
Max Kepler’s Injury Status Remains Unclear After Leaving Game Saturday
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Max Kepler’s return timeline remains uncertain as he works through a bruised lower back, an injury he sustained after crashing into the left field wall while making a catch during Saturday’s game against the Tigers. Speaking after the game, Kepler downplayed the injury, telling Zolecki, “I’m all right. At this point, it’s just a bruise. That’s what it feels like. Kind of like I got hit by a pitch.”
For Phillies fans, this is an early glimpse into Kepler’s injury-prone reputation. The 32-year-old outfielder, who spent a decade with the Minnesota Twins, owns a career slash line of .237/.318/.429. His best season came in 2019, when he slashed .252/.336/.519 with 36 homers and 90 RBIs. However, he has struggled to replicate that production since, batting .327/.316/.412 on average over the past five seasons, while dealing with frequent injuries.
Kepler’s recent history includes knee, neck, and elbow issues, with several short-term ailments escalating into extended absences. A notable example came last season, when a seemingly minor injury led to his placement on the injured list in early September, effectively ending his 2024 campaign. The situation may have been exacerbated by the Twins’ reluctance to put him on the IL earlier, despite other key players like Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa also being sidelined.
Now with Philadelphia on a one-year, $10 million deal signed in December, Kepler was brought in to round out the Phillies’ outfield alongside Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos. But if health concerns persist, this signing could turn into a short-lived experiment. The Phillies’ outfield depth is already thin, with Kody Clemens and Johan Rojas serving as backup options, raising questions about how the team will navigate potential long-term durability issues with Kepler.