From BA
Varland has experienced two consecutive difficult seasons on the mound finishing each season with an ERA well above 5.00. After working almost exclusively as a starter prior to 2022, the Dodgers moved Varland to the bullpen in late May. His results improved, as did the velocity on his fastball and slider. While Varland’s fastball was sitting 93-95 mph as a starter in April and May, he was sitting 96-97 mph and touching 98 mph out of the bullpen in September. His slider jumped from sitting 84-86 mph to sitting 88-90 mph by September. This jump in velocity culminated in a strong finish to Varland’s season. Over his final 14 appearances Varland went 3-0 with a 3.44 ERA and 31 strikeouts to five walks over 18.1 innings. With two major league-caliber pitches, years of high-minors experience and a defined role, Varland could fit into a major league bullpen and stick. There’s plenty of buzz around Varland as a potential Rule 5 selection.