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Phillies' Rob Thomson Addresses Max Kepler Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 3:40 PM ET

Outfielder Max Kepler is in his first year with the Philadelphia Phillies after spending his first ten season with the Minnesota Twins.

Kepler made his MLB debut during the 2015 season in Minnesota and quickly established himself as a reliable offensive weapon in the Twins’ lineup.

Over his 11-year career, Kepler has appeared in 1,157 games and owns a .742 OPS, along with 171 home runs and 539 RBIs.

The Phillies signed Kepler this past offseason on a one-year, $10 million deal, and Kepler anticipated he would become the starting left fielder. However, that has not been the case as he has operated primarily against right-handed pitching, which has frustrated the veteran.

His production has declined in his first season in Philadelphia amid role uncertainty and sporadic playing time. In 85 games, he is batting .210 with a .678 OPS, alongside ten home runs and 31 RBIs, marking career lows in average and overall production.

During Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres, manager Rob Thomson decided to pinch-hit for Kepler with teammate Otto Kemp for a more favorable platoon matchup, marking the first time Kepler had been pinch-hit for all season.

“We talked yesterday,” Thomson said pregame Sunday via Destiny Lugardo. “He was fine with being pinch-hit last night. I’m sure he’s not overly happy, but he was professional about it.”

Thomson removed Kepler from the lineup for Sunday’s series finale, again replacing him with Kemp, signaling that time may be running out for Kepler in left field.

Entering the All-Star break, the Phillies are 55-41, sitting atop the NL East with just a half-game lead over the New York Mets.

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

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