Platooning Max Kepler

[stringer bell]

Max Kepler had the walk-off hit last night, the tenth of his career. One more walk-off and he will tie co-leaders (and team icons) Kirby Puckett and Harmon Killebrew. He also became the all-time home run hitter at Target Field with his 81st long ball at the Twins' current home park. He's 31 years old and often described as one of the most athletic players on the team, regarded as a really good fielder. 

Add in that Kepler has better platoon splits against left handed pitching than right handed pitching, one would think that Max would be in the lineup every day. Yet, he hasn't started against a left handed pitcher in over a month. and only has started against a left hander twice all season. I do want to point out that Kepler never gets pinch hit for, unlike any of the other left handed hitters on the Twins' roster.

I am looking for reasons why Kepler hasn't started against lefties. Could this be Baldelli's way of giving Kep sufficient rest? Does the manager think that the right handed alternatives are better choices against lefties? I truly don't know. It is true that Manny Margot has been hitting better of late, but Margot isn't the player that Kepler is and has been. If someone has an explanation, please weigh in.

[jorgenswest]

Kepler is not a better hitter against left handed pitching than right handed pitching. Any rest should be against a left handed pitcher. If they happen to see to left handed pitchers in a series he probably should start in one if those games.