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Phillies share update after Max Kepler leaves game vs. Giants

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 2:06 PM ET

Outfielder Max Kepler is in his 11th major-league season and first as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

During the offseason, Kepler signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Phillies to become their everyday left fielder after 10 seasons as a Minnesota Twin. Philadelphia viewed him as a veteran presence who could stabilize its outfield mix and add pop to the lineup.

Kepler says the Phillies promised him an everyday left-field role, only to regularly bench him against left-handed pitching — a move that’s left him frustrated with the organization.

Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler (17)Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Kepler has appeared in 82 games this season, hit 10 home runs and posted a .212 batting average with a .687 OPS. His power numbers remain respectable, but his overall production has trended below career norms.

During Wednesday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants, Kepler left the game and it was later announced he had suffered a bruised right shin.

Max Kepler left the game with a bruised right shin.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 9, 2025

Kepler has struggled in his lone season in Philadelphia, and if he misses extended time, it would hinder his ability to prove his worth as an everyday player. With multiple outfield options such as Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh waiting for opportunities, any long-term absence could jeopardize his role on the team.

Kepler’s best season came in 2019 with the Twins, when he launched 36 home runs and recorded a career-high .855 OPS in 134 games. He hasn’t reached those numbers since and has battled injuries in subsequent years, yet that peak was why the Phillies saw high upside in signing him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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