Louis Varland
Breakdown
Performance
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August 15, 2026
Notches 28th save
Varland struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 28th save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Yankees.
Analysis
It was a dominant performance from Varland, who wrapped up an effective bullpen day for the Blue Jays by fanning Ben Rice, Heliot Ramos and Luis Garcia on 13 pitches (nine strikes). It's the first time since July 27 that Varland has struck out multiple batters, but fatigue could be creeping in for the first-year closer -- his 58 appearances has him tied for seventh in the majors, and he shares a bullpen with three of the pitchers ahead of him on the list (Mason Fluharty, Braydon Fisher and Tyler Rogers). Since the All-Star break, Varland has a 1.76 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 12:4 K:BB in 15.1 innings while converting eight of nine save chances.
August 15, 2026
Earns save on just four pitches
Varland collected his 27th save of the season in Friday's 3-1 win over the Yankees with a perfect ninth inning. He did not record a strikeout.
Analysis
Friday's AL East clash was a low-scoring affair, and Varland needed only four pitches -- all strikes -- to secure the win for the Blue Jays. The 28-year-old right-hander has logged saves in each of his last three outings and is up to 27 on the year, tied with Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar for third most in the American League behind Bryan Baker (34) and Cade Smith (31). Varland has a 1.28 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 63.1 innings this season.
August 13, 2026
Secures two-out save
Varland retired both batters he faced in the ninth inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Red Sox.
Analysis
Varland was summoned with two runners in scoring position and one out after Michael Waldron struggled to open the ninth inning, and the closer quickly slammed the door on just five pitches. Since blowing his first save of the season Thursday, the 28-year-old Varland has picked up a win and two saves over his past three appearances. On the season, he's now converted 26 of 27 save chances while posting a 1.30 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 76:17 K across 62.1 innings.
August 11, 2026
Earns 25th save
Varland earned the save in Monday's 2-1 win over the Red Sox, allowing one hit and no walks with one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.
Analysis
Varland was called on to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and worked around a leadoff double to close the door. The 28-year-old has posted just one clean outing in five August appearances, but he's still managed a save and two wins during that stretch. On the season, he's 25-for-26 in save opportunities while boasting a 1.31 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 76:17 K:BB across 61.2 innings.
August 9, 2026
Credited with win Saturday
Varland (5-4) was credited with the win in the Blue Jays' 7-5 extra-innings victory over the Phillies on Saturday. He allowed one unearned run on one walk while striking out one batter across two innings.
Analysis
Varland entered Saturday's game looking to bounce back from Friday's effort, when he was charged with his first blown save of the season. He kept the game tied at 4-4 after the ninth inning and was brought back out for the 10th, with the run he gave up being unearned due to the automatic runner scoring on a Luis Arraez sacrifice fly. Varland has converted 24 of 25 save opportunities this season and has a 1.34 ERA and 1.01 WHIP over 60.2 innings.
