One-Time Dodgers Pitching Prospect Makes Brewers Opening Day Roster
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Former Dodgers pitching prospect Gus Varland has made the Milwaukee Brewers Opening Day roster, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Varland was selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Brewers this year, meaning he has to spend the entire year on the Brewers roster, or else the Dodgers could get him back.
Varland spoke about the moment he got the news, saying it was the "coolest call" of his life.
"It was the coolest call of my entire life," Varland said. "The emotions that went through me, it was indescribable. I called them after every bad start, every bad starting, and they just kept supporting me. Even when I didn’t believe in myself, they believed in me. They’re unbelievable."
It's so nice for Varland, who hasn't pitched higher than Double-A in his career. Last year with the Tulsa Drillers, Varland went 4-4 with a 6.11 ERA, making seven starts out of 41 appearances.
However, the Brewers saw something in Varland, and wanted to take a chance on him in the Rule 5 Draft. And now, they feel good about what he's done this spring, giving him an opportunity with the big league ball club.
This spring, Varland made eight appearances and had a 4.15 ERA in 8.2 innings. The strikeouts were high, as he fanned 17 batters, which is probably one of the main reasons the Brewers are giving him this opportunity.
Again, if he doesn't remain on Milwaukee's big league roster for the entire season, the team will have to offer him back to the Dodgers. But for now, he's in Milwaukee, hoping to make the most of this opportunity.
