The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Gus Varland on the 15-day injured list due to right knee inflammation and selected the contract of Wander Suero from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to their series finale against the Washington Nationals.
Varland landed on the IL one day after retiring two of four batters faced in the 11th inning of the Dodgers’ walk-off loss. Varland’s wild pitch allowed the Nationals to score their game-winning run.
The appearance was his eighth with the team and 16th overall at the Major League level this season. Varland began the year with the Milwaukee Brewers after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft.
However, he returned to the Dodgers organization when the Brewers designated Varland for assignment in the middle of May.
“I wasn’t too mad about it,” Varland said. “I mean, that’s just part of the game. I had no options and they’re in first place. That’s just the way she goes.
“And when I got to go back to Triple-A with all my friends on the Dodgers, I was on a win-win no matter what. So I just went at it with everything I had and I have no regrets.”
With the Dodgers, the right-hander is 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.71 WHIP. Varland initially reported to Oklahoma City but was called up August 15 when Joe Kelly was put on the 15-day IL due to right forearm/elbow inflammation.
Meanwhile, Suero is up with the Dodgers for a third time this season. He’s appeared in four games thus far, pitching to an 8.10 ERA and 1.20 WHIP.
While with Oklahoma City, the veteran has gone 5-3 with a 3.40 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 16 saves in 19 opportunities.
The Dodgers signed Suero to a Minor League contract back in January.
Suero made his MLB debut with the Nationals in 2018 and spent four seasons with the team. He signed a Minor League contract with the Los Angeles Angels in 2022 but never made it up to the Majors that season.
Injured Dodgers relief pitchers
Varland joins Yency Almonte, Daniel Hudson, Kelly and Blake Treinen as prominent Dodgers relief pitchers who are currently on the injured list.
Of the group, only Kelly appears likely to return this season. Though, Almonte could join him if a planned bullpen session on Tuesday and subsequent progression goes well.
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