Max Kepler joining Diamondbacks after serving suspension
Max Kepler served his 80-game suspension for a banned substance and became eligible to play for the Diamondbacks on Thursday.
Watch: Ain't No Fang: Talking Diamondbacks come back against the Cardinals with Todd Walsh | 18 mins
The Arizona Diamondbacks will activate veteran outfielder Max Kepler from the restricted list ahead of Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.com reported that utility man Tim Tawa will be optioned, along with Wednesday’s starter Mitch Bratt, while reliever Juan Burgos will be recalled.
Kepler served an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance and became eligible to play on Thursday. He ramped up with 10 games between the Arizona Complex League, for High-A Hillsboro and Triple-A Reno.
He hit .286 in six games for Reno with a double and .333 in his 10 minor league games.
MAX KEPLER’S FIRST HOME RUN AS A DBACK IS IN THE NEW HOPS BALLPARK 🤩🤩🤩#AllHoppedUp pic.twitter.com/MxLntPUfCl
— Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) June 14, 2026
The D-backs took a flier on Kepler to address a need in their lineup, specifically a left-handed bat who can drive in runs.
Kepler has been a below average hitter over the past two seasons since his great 2023 campaign (.816 OPS, 24 home runs), but even in a down year he clubbed 18 home runs last year with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Between Philadelphia and the Minnesota Twins, Kepler hit 179 home runs from 2016-25, the 16th most among left-handed hitters in baseball. At the same time, he is 33 years old and coming off a long layoff from seeing big league pitching, so how much he contributes early is certainly a question mark.
The Berlin, Germany, native is also not eligible to play in the postseason this year should the Diamondbacks get there.
Arizona’s lineup has needed a boost of some sort, particularly after Jordan Lawlar suffered another hamstring injury. The group came together to score nine runs in Wednesday’s win at Busch Stadium, but consistency has been a challenge throughout the season.
In sending out Tawa, the Diamondbacks have elected to hold onto Pavin Smith, another left-handed bat who has struggled to produce since coming off the injured list earlier this month.
The Diamondbacks and Cardinals wrap up their four-game series at 4:45 p.m. MST, weather permitting, on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.
Related
Derrick Hall: Diamondbacks never got close to bringing back Paul Goldschmidt
Diamondbacks agree to sign suspended OF Max Kepler
Diamondbacks designate Carlos Santana for assignment
When can Max Kepler play for the Diamondbacks after serving his suspension?
How did Mitch Bratt pitch in MLB debut for Diamondbacks?
Diamondbacks sign top MLB Draft picks Ryder Helfrick, Blake Bryant
Comments