Twins' Max Kepler: Out yet again

Kepler (shoulder) remains out of the lineup Friday against the Royals.

Make it six straight absences for Kepler, who aggravated a shoulder injury Sept. 14 after returning to play both ends of a doubleheader. It's uncertain if he will be available in any capacity for the series, making him a tough call for weekend lineups. Ryan LaMarre is starting in center field for Minnesota.