Louis

Varland

Varland took the mound in the top of the ninth to close out the game against the Mariners with a one-run lead. He made an excellent play to beat the runner to first on a groundout to retire the first batter, then struck out the next before inducing a weak fly-out to end the game with his 31st save of the season.

A multi-inning master, this was Varland’s 13th outing this season getting four or more outs. His incredible efficiency makes those outings easier than they are for most, just like here where it only took him 15 pitches and he faced six total batters. He’s the seventh reliever to reach 30 saves so far this season and his 1.20 ERA is only higher than Mason Miller’s among all closers.

Varland got the call to protect a one-run lead in the final frame at Yankee Stadium and managed to work around a leadoff double by Jazz Chisholm Jr. to preserve the narrow victory. He struck out Austin Wells, coaxed a ground ball from José Caballero and struck out Trent Grisham to strand the potential tying run in scoring position. The 28-year-old has been a revelation this season, converting 29 of 30 save chances to go along with a microscopic 1.22 ERA and 82/18 K/BB ratio across 66 1/3 innings of work. He’s one save away from becoming the sixth stopper to reach the 30-save plateau this season.

Varland was summoned in the top of the ninth to close out the game against the Yankees with a three-run lead. He shut the door on New York, striking out the side on 13 pitches to convert his 28th save of the season with a 1.26 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and a 79/17 K/BB ratio across 64 1/3 innings.

The Blue Jays led 6-1 heading into the ninth inning, but the Red Sox rallied, creating a save situation for Varland. He retired both hitters he faced to preserve the win and earn his 26th. Varland came out of nowhere this season to become the Blue Jays closer and with a 1.30 ERA he’s been one of the best in the game.

Varland got the call to protect a one-run lead in the final frame and managed to work around a leadoff double from Jarren Duran to preserve the win. The 28-year-old has blossomed into an upper-echelon fantasy stopper, converting 25 of 26 save opportunities this season.

Varland took the mound in the bottom of the ninth with the game tied, tasked with taking the game to extra innings. He tossed a clean frame, striking out one to go to the tenth. Varland returned for the bottom of the tenth with a one-run lead and allowed the starting runner on second to score on a sacrifice fly before ending the frame. The Blue Jays would take a two-run lead in the 11th, putting Varland in line for the win as Lazaro Estrada closed it out.

Varland gave up a 108-mph single to Pete Crow-Armstrong to start the ninth and then a 100-mph fly to Seiya Suzuki that proved to be an out with the wind blowing in at Wrigley. With two outs, he gave up another 100-mph fly, but this one was hit a little lower and down into the left field corner for a 368-foot homer. Varland has allowed six runs — three earned — in his last three appearances. He’d allowed 11 runs — six earned — in 50 appearances previously.

The Jays went on to win in 10, with Chase Lee, who benefitted from a big baserunning error, picking up his first save. Varland was pitching for the first time since throwing 31 pitches and taking a loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.

Varland was called on to pitch the ninth in a 1-1 game and immediately allowed a walk and two singles to score one run. After getting the next two batters out, Varland induced a ground ball to second base, where Luis Urias committed a throwing error. One run would score on that play, and two more would come around to score when the next batter, Jordan Walker, hit a two-out single. Varland still has a pristine 1.11 ERA in 57 innings this season.