The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has cycled through multiple relievers on the fringes, with Gus Varland among those to have spent time up with the team so far this season.
Varland made the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster for the Seoul Series and made one appearance before getting optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to the Dodger Stadium opener.
Varland was recalled on April 6 but sent back to OKC two days later. He joined the Dodgers on their road trip ahead of the series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays but was not activated.
Manager Dave Roberts explained Varland is on the Dodgers’ taxi squad in the event he’s needed during the series with the Arizona Diamondbacks, via SportsNet LA:
“Just kind of planning out, seeing where we are when we go to Arizona.”
The Dodgers utilized a bullpen game on Sunday that was started by Michael Grove, who allowed three runs over two innings and was tabbed with the loss.
Alex Vesia pitched one inning and Ryan Yarbrough filled the bulk roll by getting through four frames. Nabil Crismatt, who was added to the roster on Saturday, covered the eighth inning.
The Dodgers bullpen appears to be fresh enough that Varland likely won’t get activated for the series opener with the Diamondbacks. But usage on Monday night could necessitate a change for the ensuing two games at Chase Field.
James Paxton has completed at least five innings in three of his four starts this season.
Gus Varland stats
Varland has only recorded a combined two outs across his two appearances for the Dodgers this season. He’s allowed just two runs (one earned) on one hit.
The right-hander has gone 1-0 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in nine games for the Oklahoma City Baseball Club. Varland last pitched for the Dodgers’ top Minor League affiliate on April 25.
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