Kepler expresses frustration with lack of playing time on Phillies

ATLANTA -- When Max Kepler signed with the Phillies this offseason, he was intent on proving he could hit left-handed pitching.

And he was under the impression he was going to get that opportunity in Philadelphia.

Three months into his one-year, $10 million deal, Kepler still believes in his ability to hit lefties -- but does he believe he's been given the aforementioned opportunity?

"I mean, I signed here being told that I was going to be the starting left fielder," Kepler said. "The everyday starting left fielder. So, there's my answer. That's why I came here."

The "everyday" part seems to be a key differentiator.

"I trust Max. I really do," manager Rob Thomson said before Friday's series opener in Atlanta. "And he's started, what, 60 games for us? So I kind of consider that a starter myself. But I see where the frustration is, because these guys want to play -- and that's a good thing."

Asked for his response to Kepler's comments or if he had spoken to the outfielder about his apparent frustrations, Thomson said he hadn't seen Kepler before meeting with the media for his pregame session. However, Thomson approached Kepler and talked to him for a couple minutes in the Truist Park outfield during pregame warmups, though it's unclear what the two spoke about.

"I'm sure a lot of guys get frustrated when they don't play every day, you know?" Thomson said.

Overall, Kepler has started just three of 24 games against a left-handed starter this season. On the other hand, he has started all 58 games against right-handers, including Friday's opener against Atlanta righty Bryce Elder.

But while the Phillies have faced right-handed starters 71% of the time this season, three of their first five games came against southpaws. Kepler started two of those three, including on Opening Day against Nats left-hander MacKenzie Gore. After sitting out a few days later against another lefty, Kepler returned to the lineup against Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland on April 2.

Kepler didn't start against another lefty until May 30.

The Phillies had 13 games against left-handed starters between those two games, with Weston Wilson getting the majority of those starts in Kepler's place. Kyle Schwarber also got two of those starts in left field to get J.T. Realmuto and Bryce Harper a day at DH.

Kepler has not started against a lefty since. Things seemed to reach a tipping point this week when the Phils faced three consecutive left-handed starters. Otto Kemp, a converted infielder, started all three games in left field. With Monday's off-day, Kepler didn't start from Saturday until Thursday.

"I don't think I've ever had four days off in a row in my career," Kepler said. "It's definitely a challenge."

In his limited opportunities against lefties, Kepler has slashed .222/.265/.356 (.621 OPS) over 49 plate appearances. At the same time, he's slashing just .205/.307/.389 (.697 OPS) in 218 plate appearances vs. righties.

Kepler believes the uneven playing time has impacted both sets of numbers.

"I think I play my best game when I'm getting routine and consistent playing time," Kepler said. "I've always gone through my ruts and I've gone through my hot streaks -- some might say I'm a streaky hitter. But the hardest thing to do in this game, for me, is go out and play with inconsistent opportunities."

Thomson acknowledged as much -- but offered a different take.

"I hear the whole rhythm thing, and my response -- what I do tell these guys -- is if you think that by having a day off, it's going to ruin your rhythm, well, it probably will," Thomson said. "So you've got to figure that out and keep working and keep grinding and trust your ability.”

The Phillies seem unlikely to move away from a platoon in left field. They’re also unlikely to do so at second base, with Edmundo Sosa hitting so well against lefties (.351 average and a .906 OPS). There’s also the center-field platoon between Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, where Marsh has been one of the team’s hottest hitters over the past month -- even in sporadic chances against lefties.

So, is the plan to continue platooning in all three spots?

“I don’t know,” Thomson said. “Case by case.”

"If that's the role I'm given," Kepler said, "then transparently, I'll take it on and hope to make the most of it.”

The Phillies will likely at least check on the market for an outfield bat ahead of the July 31 Trade Deadline, though it’s not clear who will be available at this point. One internal option would be No. 3 prospect Justin Crawford, who has been on a roll with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Thomson said on Thursday that Crawford had “absolutely” played well enough to be in consideration for a callup at some point.

Thomson was asked on Friday when is the preferred time to call up a young player, speaking in general teams.

"When there's a need,” he said. “And that could be at any time -- going good, going bad [for the team]. When there's a need. And [when] he's ready."