Toronto Blue Jays announce starter for series finale against the Boston Red Sox

The 27-year-old righty began his career working primarily as a starter with the Twins, though he will likely only remain in Thursday's game for an inning or two before turning things over to the bullpen.

Varland has made all 72 of his appearances in 2025 out of the bullpen with the Minnesota Twins and Blue Jays.

It figures to be a short start for Varland, with the Blue Jays previously saying Thursday will be a bullpen day. His longest outing this year has been two innings.

Varland has thrown only 11 pitches since Sept. 15 - with all of them coming Tuesday in a loss to the Red Sox.

Varland has turned in a 5.66 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 20.2 innings since being traded to Toronto, and the Jays will now see how he fares in a new role.

The Blue Jays will send Shane Bieber to the mound on Friday, with Trey Yesavage to pitch Saturday and Kevin Gausman will end the season on Sunday against the Rays should the game factor into the race for the AL East.

Originally, Bieber was set to go on Thursday with Yesavage on Friday, but the team is hoping to give Bieber some extra rest as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.