The Minnesota Twins and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians are set for a pivotal doubleheader this Friday. In one of those games, Bailey Ober, who is blazing hot, will take the mound. Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune reports that Louie Varland will likely be used as the team’s 27th member. He will receive the second start.
The local kid needed some time to regain his composure and self-assurance in St. Paul. But it appears that he recently got it back. Varland has struck out 35 MiLB hitters in his previous 31.1 innings (dating back to June 29) while only giving up 5 runs overall. Varland threw a no-hitter for five innings in his most recent outing, striking out eight and walking just one.
Since being sent down in the spring, Varland has made multiple pinch starts for the Minnesota Twins. This is not the first time. In June, he made two appearances up top, looking a lot better than the player who had been sent down a few months before.
A protected Louie tossed 9.1 innings in total in those two outings. He struck out seven batters while walking just one while giving up six hits and two earned runs (1.93 ERA). With a.171 BA against (.388 OPS), his 2.31 FIP appears to be solid.
For the remainder of the regular season, the Twins will require relief pitching, particularly in light of Joe Ryan’s bicep injury that forced him to leave Wednesday’s game. Louie will most likely stay for a while if he can throw well again when he returns tomorrow.
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