Gus Varland

BIOGRAPHY

Gus Varland was born on November 6, 1996, in Maplewood, Minnesota. He is a pitcher in the MLB.

The Oakland Athletics selected Varland in the 14th round of the 2018 MLB draft. He split his first professional season between the rookie-level Arizona League Athletics, Low-A Vermont Lake Monsters, and Single-A Beloit Snappers.

He made five appearances (four starts) with the High-A Stockton Ports in 2019, posting a 2–1 record and 2.39 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 26+1⁄3 innings pitched. Varland did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On December 7, 2022, the Milwaukee Brewers selected Varland in the Rule 5 Draft and he made the Brewers' Opening Day roster out of spring training. Varland made his MLB debut on Opening Day (March 30), pitching in relief against the Chicago Cubs. He struck out the first batter he faced, Miles Mastrobuoni. Through seven appearances for Milwaukee, Varland held a 2.25 ERA with five strikeouts in nine innings pitched. In a May 15 appearances against the St. Louis Cardinals, he was torched for nine earned runs on six hits and three walks with one strikeout. He was designated for assignment by the Brewers the following day.

On May 22, 2023, Varland cleared waivers and was returned to the Dodgers organization. He was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, where he made 30 appearances and logged a 2.16 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 33+1⁄3 innings pitched. On August 15, the Dodgers selected Varland's contract, adding him to the major league roster. On August 23, Varland recorded his first career victory in the major leagues, beating the Cleveland Guardians. He pitched in eight games for Los Angeles, allowing four earned runs in 11+2⁄3 innings. On September 10, Varland was placed on the injured list with right knee inflammation. He was transferred to the 60–day injured list two days later, ending his season.