Right fielder Max Kepler returned to the Twins’ lineup on Monday after missing 13 games due to a right knee injury and declared himself ready, willing and able to kickstart an offense that has gotten off to a rocky start.
The early returns are promising.
Kepler came through in his first at-bat on Monday against the Chicago White Sox, driving in a pair of runs in the first inning with a double to right-center.
“It’s been tough,” Kepler said of the team’s struggles. “I can’t really watch the games; it’s too upsetting not being able to help my team win games or even just battle through whatever is
going on on the field.
“But I do look at the boxscores, and it’s hard not being able to contribute. I’m just happy to be here now. I’m not going to try to catch up on anything, but I’m happy to be able to try to help the team out.”
In a series of moves, Minnesota also called up right-handed reliever Ronny Henriquez from the Triple-A St. Paul Saints while optioning catcher Jair Camargo and right-handed starter Louie Varland to St. Paul.
Kepler played in three games with the Saints on rehab assignment last week, going 4 for 10 with three walks.
“He looks like he’s in as good a place as I’ve seen in a while,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “It’s the first time, when he’s missed any time, that he’s gone out and gotten some at-bats.
“It’s something he wanted. We asked him, and he said yes, that would be helpful. Maybe that’s him maturing over the years. But he looks ready to play.”
Kepler said spending some time in Triple-A was the right thing to do.
“Last year when I came back, it was kind of shock at first trying to adjust to big-league pitching,” Kepler said. “I wanted to get my footing under me, and I did that (last week with the Saints) at Indianapolis. I feel great physically and I’m ready to battle with the team.”
Kepler missed time due to what was listed as a right knee contusion, but he said the injury was a little more significant than that.
“I have a piece of bone floating in my knee that they said is something that happened from a prior injury,” he said. “I’ve never been aware of me chipping my knee cap. It was scary to see, but I’m glad I’m feeling good now.”
Varland’s struggles
Varland’s demotion was not unexpected after going 0-4 in four starts, with an ERA of 9.18.
“With everything that has been going on in the year, I don’t think it was a hard decision right now,” Baldelli said. “I actually think it was the right decision and one that was clear for him and for us. It gives him the opportunity to focus on things and get better without only having to worry about the results. He took it hard because he cares and he wants to be here. He wants to make people proud, and he wants to do great things, frankly.
“There will be a lot of great things coming his way over time. I think he knows that. I don’t think he’s feeling it at the moment, but I’m feeling it.”
Varland will continue to work as a starter, Baldelli said.
Rotation impact
Varland was added to the starting rotation to fill the void when Anthony DeSclafani was lost for the season due to right elbow surgery. Varland’s demotion leaves open the possibility of the Twins adding a starting pitcher at some point. They also could move a reliever with starting experience into the rotation.
“There could be discussions over time of stretching some other guys out,” Baldelli said. “Nothing is off the table. Major league pitching is always at a premium, and if you can find a way to develop it, take it, mold it, harness it and send it out there, then you’re doing something right.
“Hopefully we’re not stretched thin in the very near future. We can always turn back to Lou sooner than later. I’d like him to get some work in first — make some adjustments and relax out there on the mound before we turn to him.”
Baldelli doesn’t anticipate any additions to rotation anytime soon.
”Right now we have four starters and we have (Simeon Woods Richardson) lined up and ready to pitch next week,’” he said. “We’re covered right now.”
New-look lineup
Baldelli shook up his lineup on Monday, most notably having first baseman Alex Kirilloff hit in the leadoff position.
“There’s not much to that decision,” Baldelli said. “He’s swinging the bat pretty good. Sometimes moving guys around opens their eyes, makes them feel a little different. Send them out there and maybe it leads to something.”
Briefly
The 23-year-old Henriquez made his debut for the Twins in 2022, appearing in three games. To make room for Henriquez on the 40-man roster, the Twins transferred right-handed pitcher Daniel Duarte to the 60-day injured list. Duarte is scheduled to have surgery on his right elbow and is sidelined for the season.
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