The Minnesota Twins starting rotation has faced significant upheaval as the season winds down. With injuries to Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack, manager Rocco Baldelli has been navigating a challenging situation. The team’s depth, which wasn’t a focus this year, has been tested, and as they push toward the end of the season, they’re making adjustments on the fly.
Enter Louie Varland, who is not joining the Twins’ bullpen but will instead be starting for the team. This week, the Twins are in Tampa for a four-game series against the Rays, while the St. Paul Saints face the Iowa Cubs. Varland, however, is not with the Saints; he’s at Tropicana Field and is set to start for the Twins on Wednesday.
There is a Louie Varland locker and a Louie Varland present in the Twins’ clubhouse, as expected, ahead of their TBD starting pitcher slot for tomorrow’s game.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) September 3, 2024
Although the move hasn’t been officially announced, Minnesota might confirm Varland’s start before the game. He last pitched for the Twins on August 14 against the Kansas City Royals. Varland has logged 36 2/3 innings for the Twins this season with a 6.14 ERA. Since being demoted in April, he has made four appearances with a 3.60 ERA and a 14/2 K/BB ratio.
With 24 games left in the regular season, the Twins could potentially make five more rotations through their pitching staff. Varland’s start provides a breather for rookie pitchers Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa, and Zebby Matthews as they complete their debut seasons.
Varland pitched 149 2/3 innings last season between Triple-A and the majors but has only reached 100 innings so far in 2024. The Twins have used nine different starters this season, and while the situation hasn’t been dire, consistency outside of Lopez, Ryan, and Bailey Ober has been a challenge. Varland has been kept in a starting role to provide depth in these scenarios. The team has yet to insert Andrew Morris into the rotation, so Varland is stepping up.
Varland has shown he can excel in relief roles, with his ability to throw triple-digit pitches and a streamlined pitch mix. Given the current state of the Twins’ bullpen, his relief experience could be invaluable. With the regular season nearing its end, it’s likely Varland will transition to relief appearances soon.
The St. Paul Saints’ season ends on September 22, so it makes sense for Varland to get a few turns in the Triple-A bullpen before making the jump to the Twins’ relief corps. The team needs him, and they need him soon.
