Minnesota Twins pitcher Louie Varland (37) reacts after a two-run...

Minnesota Twins pitcher Louie Varland (37) reacts after a two-run home run by Detroit Tigers' Buddy Kennedy during the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Abbie Parr

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins sent struggling starting pitcher Louie Varland to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday and reinstated right fielder Max Kepler from the 10-day injured list.

Varland was 0-4 with a 9.18 ERA in four starts. He allowed four runs on three hits and four walks in 2 2/3 innings on Sunday in a 6-1 loss to Detroit. The 26-year-old, who pitched effectively out of the bullpen late last season, earned a spot in the rotation in spring training after an elbow injury to Anthony DeSclafani.

Kepler missed 13 games with a bruised right knee. He went 4 for 10 with three walks on a three-game rehabilitation assignment for St. Paul. Before the injury, Kepler had just one hit with one walk and six strikeouts in 20 at-bats for the Twins.

The Twins also optioned catcher Jair Camargo to St. Paul and promoted right-handed reliever Ronny Henriquez. His spot on the 40-man roster was opened by the transfer of relief pitcher Daniel Duarte to the 60-day injured list. Duarte is having season-ending shoulder surgery on May 8.

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