Traded Twins reliever Louis Varland on verge of setting record for most pitching appearances in a single postseason as he aims to help Blue Jays defeat Dodgers in World Series
After making an appearance in the Toronto Blue Jays' 5-1 World Series Game 2 loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers, righty reliever Louis Varland needs to make just three more appearances during the Fall Classic to tie the all-time MLB record for pitching appearances (14) in a single postseason.
If someone told Varland three months ago he would be on the verge of making postseason history with the Toronto Blue Jays during the World Series, the hard-throwing bullpen arm likely would have given them a funny look. When the Twins traded Varland, along with first baseman Ty France, to the Blue Jays in exchange for lefty pitching prospect Kendry Rojas and outfielder Alan Roden, the Minnesota native was shocked. Sure, before Varland was traded, the Twins already dealt Carlos Correa, nearly the entire bullpen and more to other teams. However, with Varland having five years of control remaining, most people assumed he would stay a Twin, especially since he is a hometown kid. Varland likely misses aspects of playing for his childhood team, but pitching in the World Series isn't too bad, either.
While Varland has been Toronto's go-to bullpen arm this postseason, it hasn't been easy for the righty reliever. His first two appearances were great, as he allowed zero earned runs over 1 2/3 innings against the Yankees in ALDS Games 1 and 2. He then gave up two huge homers to Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm in ALDS Game 3, but bounced back with 1 1/3 scoreless innings to open ALDS Game 4, which Toronto ended up winning to advance to the ALCS.
The ALCS mostly went well for Varland, as he allowed just one earned run on a three-run homer from old friend Jorge Polanco in seven innings over six games. Varland struggled again during his first World Series appearance, surrendering two earned runs in 2/3 of an inning in Game 2 on Saturday.
Varland aims to help the Blue Jays reclaim the series lead against the Dodgers in World Series Game 3, scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. CST on Monday at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.