The Toronto Blue Jays are making a strong push for their first World Series title since 1993. With two victories needed, the team has relied on a collective effort from its roster. While stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ernie Clement have drawn attention for their offensive contributions, Louis Varland’s role in the bullpen deserves special mention.
Louis Varland: An Unlikely Bullpen Hero
Acquired from the Minnesota Twins along with Ty France, Varland was brought in to enhance the bullpen. Despite a somewhat rocky second half of the season, he has emerged as a key player in the postseason. In 14 innings during the playoffs, Varland has maintained a 4.50 ERA, tying for the most home runs allowed on the team with Kevin Gausman.
Record-Setting Appearances
One of the most remarkable aspects of Varland’s postseason performance is his availability. Manager John Schneider has called on him 13 times this October, placing him just one appearance shy of the all-time record for a single postseason. This record is held by:
- Paul Assenmacher – 14 appearances in 1997 (Cleveland Indians)
- Brandon Morrow – 14 appearances in 2017 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Varland has already pitched on consecutive days six times, highlighting his endurance and reliability. He participated in all four games against the New York Yankees in the ALDS and has shown adaptability, starting a game when necessary and entering as early as the fourth inning in others.
Contributions Beyond the Stats
While Varland may not be a frontrunner for postseason awards, his contributions have been significant. His ability to respond to various pitching roles illustrates his value to the Blue Jays. As the team approaches pivotal games in their playoff run, Varland’s presence in the bullpen will be crucial.
As the Blue Jays continue their quest for the championship, Louis Varland stands out as a testament to the importance of versatility and reliability in high-stakes moments. The team is eager to utilize his talents as they aim for victory in the 2025 World Series.
