In November the Milwaukee Brewers selected Gus Varland in the Rule-5 draft. The former starting pitcher turned reliever showed enough promise and skill that Milwaukee elected to take a low risk gamble on him for Rule-5 draft picks have to remain on the selecting teams active roster for an entire season otherwise risk being claimed off waivers or being sent to their original organization.
During spring training Gus Varland turned quite a few heads as his velocity was sitting impressively in the upper 90’s and his slider really came into form. He ended up making the opening day roster and threw 8.2 innings for the Brewers before being designated for assignment. A hand contusion injury that resulted in an injured list stint did slow him down for a bit after a good start to the season.
Gus Varland was officially DFA’d by the Brewers the day after he surrendered nine earned runs to the St. Louis Cardinals. He now has cleared waivers and has returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
Milwaukee Brewers Rule-5 pick Gus Varland returns to Los Angeles Dodgers.
LHP Eric Lauer placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to 5/21, with a right shoulder impingement.
RHP Tyson Miller recalled from Triple-A Nashville.
Rule 5 RHP Gus Varland cleared waivers and was returned to Los Angeles-NL. pic.twitter.com/72xkqh3xV4
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 22, 2023
Unfortunately for Gus Varland he was thrust into a tough situation. Milwaukee is a playoff contending team and needs results from their bullpen players. He was not generating enough results and therefore his roster spot was surrendered.
Varland does have a ton of talent and it would not be surprising to see him get another big league opportunity, but for now that will not come with the Brewers.
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