Louis Varland accomplishes feat not seen in 13 years for Toronto Blue Jays
Photo credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
On Monday night, the Toronto Blue Jays secured a 5–2 win over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched his second home run of the season, while Jeff Hoffman turned in a strong rebound performance.
Still, the standout effort came from Dylan Cease, who racked up 12 strikeouts across just five innings.
After signing a seven-year deal in the offseason, Cease now leads all of Major League Baseball with 44 strikeouts.
Another key contributor was high-leverage reliever Louis Varland.
The hard throwing right-hander delivered 1.1 innings of shutout baseball, allowing no baserunners and striking out three.
In a pivotal moment, Varland retired one of the league’s hottest hitters, Mike Trout, further underlining his impact.
Varland has yet to allow an earned run this season, maintaining a 0.00 ERA. He currently ranks just behind Mason Miller in reliever WAR across the majors.
Louis Varland with a HUGE strikeout of Mike Trout ⛽️
Varland among the Blue Jays elite relievers through first 11 games
According to StatsCentre, he is the first Blue Jays pitcher since 2013 to begin a season with a 0.00 ERA through his first 11 appearances (minimum 12 innings).
Lowest ERA - Blue Jays pitcher's first 11 GP of a season (min. of 12 IP):
0.00- Louis Varland (2026)
0.00- Victor Cruz (1978)
0.00- Tom Henke (1985)
0.00- Paul Quantrill (2001)
0.00- B.J. Ryan (2006)
0.00- Jeremy Accardo (2007)
0.00- Juan Perez (2013)
0.55- Kelvim Escobar (1997)
0.00- Louis Varland (2026)
0.00- Victor Cruz (1978)
0.00- Tom Henke (1985)
0.00- Paul Quantrill (2001)
0.00- B.J. Ryan (2006)
0.00- Jeremy Accardo (2007)
0.00- Juan Perez (2013)
0.55- Kelvim Escobar (1997)
The 28-year-old, acquired from the Minnesota Twins at last year’s trade deadline, played a crucial role in Toronto’s postseason run, appearing in 15 games as the team pushed to Game 7 of the World Series.
Once a starter in Minnesota, Varland transitioned into a full-time relief role in 2025, making 74 appearances and posting a 2.97 ERA.
Over his career, he holds a 10–15 record with a 4.41 ERA in 123 games, though his current form suggests continued improvement as a key bullpen piece.
The Blue Jays and Angels will face off again, with first pitch scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET.
Patrick Corbin (0–0, 4.66 ERA) is expected to start for Toronto, while Jack Kochanowicz (2–0, 3.47 ERA) takes the mound for Los Angeles.
This outing could be Corbin’s final start in Toronto’s rotation, as rookie Trey Yesavage nears a return from a right shoulder impingement.
He is slated for one more start with Triple-A Buffalo before likely rejoining the major league club.
When that happens, Corbin’s role remains uncertain, he could be released, though a move to the bullpen has also been considered.
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