Did Louis Varland just give Blue Jays a reason to consider a bullpen playoff game?

"Reliever Louis Varland, who had pitched to a five-plus ERA in 21 appearances since being acquired at the trade deadline, got the ball as an opener and was asked to pitch one to two innings and keep the Jays in the game. The 27-year-old understood the assignment and turned in his best performance since the trade, getting the first six outs of the game, including three strikeouts in a much-needed outing."

"Eric Lauer, who filled in admirably as a starter for much of the season, was called upon next and continued putting up zeroes, getting 10 more outs before being lifted with one out in the sixth, after throwing 44 pitches. Yariel Rodriguez came into the game and got a strikeout and a groundout as the Jays staff didn't allow a single baserunner over the first six innings, by which time they had taken a 6-0 lead."

"The decision to have a bullpen day was made after starters José Berríos and Chris Bassitt were placed on the IL, and Shane Bieber had his start pushed back to Saturday. Berrios was already struggling with being demoted to the bullpen and was placed on the 15-day IL on Thursday, and he's currently seeking a second opinion after an initial MRI on his elbow revealed no structural damage."

Louis Varland opened and recorded the first six outs, including three strikeouts, delivering his best outing since the trade after a five-plus ERA in 21 appearances. Eric Lauer retired all 10 batters he faced and was lifted with one out in the sixth after throwing 44 pitches. Yariel Rodriguez added a strikeout and a groundout as the staff allowed no baserunners through six innings while the offense built a 6-0 lead. The bullpen day followed placements of José Berríos and Chris Bassitt on the injured list and a pushed-back start for Shane Bieber. Berríos is seeking a second opinion after an MRI showed no structural damage; Paxton Schultz was called up to replace him. Bassitt is dealing with back inflammation and hopes to be available if the team reaches the ALDS.

Read at Jays Journal