Gus

Varland

The Diamondbacks tried to slide Varland through waivers last week, but with the Nationals’ desperate for quality bullpen depth they were ready and eager to pull the trigger. The 29-year-old right-hander posted a 3.42 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 27/8 K/BB ratio over 26 1/3 innings between the Dodgers and White Sox in 2025.

Varland was claimed off waivers from the White Sox in August but then spent the rest of the season in Triple-A. The 29-year-old has a 4.82 ERA and a 47/24 K/BB in 46 2/3 with the Brewers, Dodgers and White Sox the last two years.

The 28-year-old Varland cleared outright waivers last week ahead of the White Sox releasing him on Sunday, putting him on release waivers. That’s typically a formality, but not in this case, as the D-backs decided to step in and add Varland to the 40-man. Varland had a 3.54 ERA and a 24/4 K/BB in 20 1/3 innings before being let go by the White Sox. He has a career 4.82 ERA and a 47/24 K/BB in 47 2/3 innings.

Varland has been cut loose to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The 28-year-old righty went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week. He posted a respectable 3.54 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 24/4 K/BB ratio across 20 1/3 innings (19 appearances) this season at the major-league level. He’ll likely have to settle for a minor league contract at this advanced stage of the season. It wouldn’t be surprising if he garnered some interest overseas in either Japan or Korea.

Varland, 28, gets the boot from the 40-man roster after the White Sox selected the contract of infielder Jacob Amaya in a corresponding transaction. The right-hander will hit the waiver wire, but there’s a pretty good chance he’ll just report back to Charlotte if/when he goes unclaimed.

Varland was hit hard this spring in a handful of Cactus League relief appearances and will open the regular season back at the Triple-A level. The 28-year-old righty made a career-high 26 relief outings last year between the White Sox and Dodgers.

With Steven Wilson (back) landing on the injured list on Saturday, Varland will have his first opportunity to pitch out of the White Sox’ bullpen after being claimed off of waivers from the Dodgers after the trade deadline. It’s possible if he pitches well that the 27-year-old hurler could work his way into some high leverage situations with the White Sox.

Varland was designated for assignment when the Dodgers needed roster spots after the trade deadline. Chicago has optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte. The White Sox have multiple vacancies on the 40-man roster so no corresponding move is necessary. He had a 3.00 ERA in seven games with the Dodgers this year.

Varland falls victim to a roster crunch in Los Angeles following an influx of veteran players at the trade deadline. There should be some interest in his services on waivers.

Varland gets the heave-ho with Justin Wrobleski up from OKC to get the start against the Brewers on Sunday. Based on previous patterns, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see the 27-year-old back with the Dodgers before the end of July.