Diamondbacks to add OF Max Kepler ahead of Cardinals series finale
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Burn City Sports
Diamondbacks to add OF Max Kepler ahead of Cardinals series finale
Oct 6, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler (17) runs to third base after hitting a triple against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning during game two of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;Philadelphia Philliesleft fielderMax Kepler(17) hits a double against theLos Angeles Dodgersin the ninth inning during game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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According toArizonaCentral's Nick Piecoro, the Diamondbacks are adding outfielder Max Kepler. In a corresponding move, Arizona is optioning outfielder/infielderTim Tawato Triple-A Reno.
The move comes after Kepler signed with Arizona more than two weeks ago while continuing to serve an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. With the suspension now completed, the veteran outfielder joins the D-Backs as they look to bolster production in a lineup that has been inconsistent in the outfield.
Mar 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Tim Tawa against theLos AngelesDodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Arizona has cycled through multiple options in the outfield and has struggled at times to find steady offensive output from the position group, making Kepler's left-handed power a potential late-season boost as the club tries to stay in the mix in a competitive National League race.
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Kepler previously played for theMinnesota Twinsand, most recently, the Philadelphia Phillies.
Before his suspension, the left-handed hitter was batting .216 with 18 home runs, 52 RBIs and a .691 OPS with Philadelphia.
Oct 9, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler (17) makes a catch in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
While those numbers represented a down season by his standards, Kepler showed signs of progress during his stint in Arizona's minor league system, preparing for his return. In rehabilitation games, he batted .333 with two home runs, six RBIs and a 1.041 OPS.
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The Diamondbacks are betting that the combination of his left-handed power and defensive versatility can stabilize a corner-outfield spot and provide a needed spark down the stretch as they continue their push in the standings.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
