Louie Varland Stats

Minnesota Twins right-hander Louie Varland returned to the team on Monday from Triple-A St. Paul, but for now, the former starter will work in a relief role out of the bullpen. Varland, who posted a 1.95 ERA in August after being sent to the minors, is OK moving to a relief role, but he wants to remain a starter in the long-term. He started 10 games for the Twins earlier this year but was sent to St. Paul after allowing 17 runs in his final 15 innings. "I took the [demotion] as a chance to work on my stuff," Varland said, including "a couple" of new pitches. "I'm a better pitcher than I was a couple months ago." In 10 starts for the Twins this year, the 25-year-old has a 5.30 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched. Varland obviously loses what little fantasy value he had left in a relief role.

over 2 months ago

Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Louie Varland pitched out of the bullpen for the first time this season for Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday. He threw four one-run frames, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out four. His average fastball velocity was up 2.6 mph and he even touched 100 mph. It appears the Twins might use him as a bulk reliever in September, which gives him some limited appeal in deeper fantasy leagues as he could vulture some wins and should give good strikeout numbers.

over 2 months ago

The Minnesota Twins optioned right-hander Louie Varland to Triple-A St. Paul and selected the contract of right-hander Oliver Ortega from St. Paul in a corresponding move on Tuesday. The Twins also designated outfielder Kyle Garlick for assignment. Varland gets the boot from Minnesota's starting rotation after allowing six runs on nine hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out four in 4 1/3 innings in his last start over the weekend against the Detroit Tigers. He's given up a total of 17 runs in 15 innings over his last three starts to raise his ERA on the year to 5.30 (5.51 FIP) and a WHIP of 1.36 with 16 walks and 54 K's in 56 frames over 10 starts. The 25-year-old will make way for the return of veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda (triceps).

5 months ago