For the second straight year, a top Twins prospect has had to withdraw from the All-Star Futures Game because of injury.
Double-A Chattanooga outfielder Max Kepler (throwing shoulder) was removed from the roster on Friday, two days before the annual prospects showcase is held in Cincinnati. Kepler was replaced on the World Team roster by Kansas City Royals infield prospect Balbino Fuenmayor.
Last year, Twins right-hander Trevor May was scratched because of a calf injury shortly before the Futures Game at Target Field. Fellow Triple-A Rochester right-hander Alex Meyer took his place and threw a scoreless inning of relief.