Small Change Leads to Big Reward for Rookie Gus Varland

Called up to the Major Leagues after injuries to Yency Almonte and Joe Kelly, Dodgers reliever Gus Varland's path to the bigs hasn't been an easy one to say the least. 

Making some tweaks to his approach on hitters while in the minors, Varland mentioned those changes getting some successful results. 

“What made me change to have the most success, especially last year in Double-A when I went from a starter to reliever, were the mechanical changes I made in my delivery,” Varland said. “Being more consistent, more powerful, and a different mentality of just attacking the zone and not being scared of any hitter.”

via J.P. Hoornstra, OC Register

After a rocky start with the Brewers this year, including an injury, the Dodgers got Varland back from Milwaukee after they selected him in the Rule 5 draft.

A bevy of injuries to the Dodgers bullpen forced Varland into action, but his LA debut on Wednesday could not have gone any better.

Facing his old team in Milwaukee, Varland pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and a walk to help push the Dodgers win streak to 10 games. 

Chavez Ravine was greeted with another victory in the month of August, making it 14 of 15 for the Dodgers in the month. 

With both sides of the ball clicking on all cylinders for the Boys in Blue, Varland's contributions to the victory cannot be ignored. 

Though he might not make the playoff bullpen given the Dodgers' great depth in all facets, it's an encouraging sight for a young pitcher who clearly has major league stuff. 

It's taken all hands on deck to get the Dodger record this good and Varland is now looking to factor into the equation.