Blue Jays May Have Found Solution to Closer Woes

On Friday, Schneider decided to have a closer by committee, but Louis Varland appears to be the favorite moving forward. Saturday presented the first save opportunity with this new change. After a strong start from Kevin Gausman, Mason Fluharty and Tyler Rogers recorded four outs and didn't allow a hit.

Varland entered the ninth inning with a 5-2 lead. He ran into trouble, allowing a run on three hits, but ultimately sealed the deal with back-to-back strikeouts. Sunday had a similar situation, but it was Rogers who pitched the seventh, and Hoffman came on in the eighth and received a lot of support from the Toronto faithful.

He threw a scoreless inning, and Varland recorded his second consecutive save with ease. The 28-year-old reliever stepped up when his team needed him.

John Schneider Gives Varland High Praise

Per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Schneider said about Varland, "[Varland] is a different guy when he's on the mound than he is in the clubhouse. He's as high energy as he can get coming in. He's pretty calm on the mound and pretty calm after."

Varland has been a stellar option in the bullpen. He's made 14 appearances and has posted a 0.64 ERA with 23 strikeouts and just four walks. His high-velocity fastball and deadly curveball are ideal for a closer. He should have the opportunity to close out games moving forward.

Rogers has been just as dependable this season. He hasn't allowed a hit in five straight relief appearances, but he doesn't have a closer arsenal. Rogers is better suited to pitch the seventh and eighth innings as a setup guy who pitches to contact.

However, Hoffman's outing on Sunday can't be overlooked. Yes, it's only one appearance, but he desperately needed that after the tough start to the year. He may not be the closer for the time being, but if he can find his stuff again, the Blue Jays could have an outstanding bullpen.