Report: Twins demoting strikeout-prone Matt Wallner; Trevor Larnach up?

Wallner was struck out in 68% of his at-bats this season.

Sep 19, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Matt Wallner (38) reacts after a / Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Wallner has been demoted to Triple-A St. Paul and replaced at the big-league level by fellow left-handed outfielder Trevor Larnach, the Twins announced Tuesday.

Wallner has gotten off to a putrid start in 2024, striking out in 17 of 25 at-bats (68%) while slashing .132/.227/.395. The 26-year-old from Forest Lake, Minn., has just two hits, including a homer off a position player.

Larnach began the season on the injured list and has played three games at Class A Fort Myers since being given the green light to resume baseball activities. The 27-year-old has 14 plate appearances in three games with the Mighty Mussels and has two hits, two walks and two strikeouts.

In 51 games in the majors last season, Larnach slashed .231/.306/.406 with 13 doubles and five homers. He also played 72 games at Triple-A St. Paul last year and slashed .271/.384/.504 with 15 home runs and 47 RBI.

The Twins (6-9) take on the Orioles in Baltimore at 5:35 p.m. CT Tuesday.