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German outfielder and first baseman Max Kepler started his first MLB game on Sunday for the Minnesota Twins. He batted third and played right field for manager Paul Molitor, He singled through the right side of the infield in his second at-bat for his first MLB hit. He went 1-for-5 in the game. He had made his debut as a pinch hitter one week ago and had another pinch hit appearance during last week of the regular season.
The 22-year-old Berlin, Germany native celebrated his breakout year in 2015, being named MVP of the Southern League and Minnesota Twins Minor Leaguer of the Year. Kepler is the second German player to have reached the big leagues after Donald Lutz (2013, 2014 with Cincinnati Reds, currently rehabbing after Tommy John surgery) and the third participant of MLB’s European Elite Camp after Lutz and Alex Liddi.