Everyone is on alert for MLB players being scratched or pulled from the lineup as the Trade Deadline looms. The latest victim is Phillies outfielder Max Kepler, who was scratched with an injury.
It’s convenient timing, to say the least. The Phillies are expected to be major players in the trade market over the next 24 hours. One of their primary positions to upgrade is the outfield. Only minutes after Kepler was scratched, insider Francys Romero dropped the news that Philly is one of the frontrunners to acquire White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr.
Kepler, 32, has underperformed after signing a one-year deal with the Phillies. The left-handed hitter has struggled mightily against fellow southpaws with a .564 OPS. Rumors circled that Kepler was frustrated with his lack of playing time, and that his concerns may not be sitting well with veterans in the clubhouse. As a rental option, he’d be easy to move, especially if they just want to be rid of him and get little in return.
Perhaps this is a real injury and the Phillies are being earnestly cautious. Perhaps there’s a trade in the works and they’re anticipating a move. The next 24 hours will give us the real answer.
Stay tuned to DraftKings Network for updates on Kepler’s status.
