Gus

Varland

Varland was hit hard this spring in a handful of Cactus League relief appearances and will open the regular season back at the Triple-A level. The 28-year-old righty made a career-high 26 relief outings last year between the White Sox and Dodgers.

With Steven Wilson (back) landing on the injured list on Saturday, Varland will have his first opportunity to pitch out of the White Sox’ bullpen after being claimed off of waivers from the Dodgers after the trade deadline. It’s possible if he pitches well that the 27-year-old hurler could work his way into some high leverage situations with the White Sox.

Varland was designated for assignment when the Dodgers needed roster spots after the trade deadline. Chicago has optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte. The White Sox have multiple vacancies on the 40-man roster so no corresponding move is necessary. He had a 3.00 ERA in seven games with the Dodgers this year.

Varland falls victim to a roster crunch in Los Angeles following an influx of veteran players at the trade deadline. There should be some interest in his services on waivers.

Varland gets the heave-ho with Justin Wrobleski up from OKC to get the start against the Brewers on Sunday. Based on previous patterns, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see the 27-year-old back with the Dodgers before the end of July.

Wrobleski is up and will make a start Sunday against the Brewers. He’s pitched well thus far in Triple-A, but it’s a tough first matchup for the southpaw. Gus Varland was sent down in the corresponding transaction.

Varland has pitched in seven games out of the Dodgers’ bullpen so far this season, registering a 3.00 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and a troublesome 3/4 K/BB ratio over his six innings. He’ll swap places with left-hander Nick Ramirez, who was optioned to Triple-A OKC in a corresponding move on Friday.

The 27-year-old right-hander has appeared in seven games out of the Dodgers’ bullpen this season, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and a 3/4 K/BB ratio over six innings of work. It shouldn’t take him long to earn another opportunity with the big league club.

Varland is taking the roster spot of Ryan Brasier as Brasier was placed on the injured list with a calf strain. Varland will be a mid-to-late innings option for the Dodgers in this stint with the club.

Brasier has made 12 appearances for the Dodgers while composing a 4.68 ERA and 12/2 K/BB over 11 2/3 innings. Gus Varland will take Brasier’s place in the bullpen. The calf strain will keep Brasier out at least two weeks, with a chance for him to return in the middle of May if all goes well.