Toronto Blue Jays announce ALDS Game 4 starter vs New York Yankees
Photo credit: https://x.com/Sportsnet/
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced that right-handed pitcher Louis Varland will start Game 4 of the American League Division Series versus the New York Yankees.
Following Toronto's Game 3 loss to the Yankees, manager John Schneider told reporters the Blue Jays would talk through their pitching plans before making an announcement, but Varland ended up being the choice for Game 4 of the ALDS.
"Like I said before the game, you're trying to take chances to win today, and it didn't work out," Schenider said post-game about using six relievers on Tuesday before adding that "everyone's available" for Wednesday.
Varland tossed 20 pitches over one inning of work in Game 3, but allowed Aaron Judge's game-tying three-run homer.
Blue Jays' John Schneider showing confidence in Louis Varland despite giving up home run to Yankees star Aaron Judge
The 27-year-old started for the Blue Jays on Sept. 25 against the Boston Red Sox, working 2.0 perfect innings before handing the game over to Eric Lauer in what ended as a 6-1 Toronto win.
Over 23.2 regular-season innings with the Blue Jays, Varland posted a 4.94 ERA and 28 strikeouts. He was acquired from Minnesota at the trade deadline after carrying a 2.02 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 49 innings with the Twins.
LOUIS VARLAND 101 MILES PER HOUR MY GOODNESS
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Blue Jays entered the series with built-up starters Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber on the roster, but had a bullpen game scheduled for any Game 4 scenario in the Bronx.
Varland, alongside Mason Fluharty, Braydon Fisher, Brendon Little, Yariel Rodriguez and Tommy Nance, was forced into action on Tuesday after Bieber lasted just 54 pitches and 2.2 innings in Toronto's 9-6 loss.
Lauer, who has served as a multi-inning reliever on many occasions for Toronto this season, has appeared only once in the series and figures to play a significant role in Game 4. He allowed three runs on three hits while recording just one out in Game 2.
The Yankees will have wild-card hero Cam Schlittler on the mound as they try to extend their season once again.
Schlittler struck out 12 Red Sox hitters over eight scoreless innings in Game 3 of the wild card, helping New York advance to this series against the Blue Jays.
Toronto saw the 24-year-old twice during the regular season, collecting 12 hits and six runs over 6.2 innings while striking out only five times.
TRENDING NOW
