Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Gus Varland, 29-year-old right-handed reliever for the Washington Nationals, has emerged as the team's primary closer after bouncing around in his career. Through mid-May 2026, he has recorded 4 saves in 6 opportunities with a 3.07-4.32 ERA and 1.30-1.50 WHIP across 14.2-16.2 innings. Varland features a mid-90s fastball with carry and a high-80s slider, throwing each roughly 50% of the time. He excels at filling the zone with elite walk rate (1.84 BB/9), though he can be hittable at times. He has not issued a walk since April 14th. Varland is expected to maintain closer duties until Clayton Beeter returns from forearm injury. He has converted 4 of 6 save opportunities with 4-5 holds, demonstrating reliability in high-leverage situations despite some blown saves.
Strengths
- + Established as primary closer for Nationals
- + Elite walk rate (1.84 BB/9)
- + Excellent zone control and command
- + Consistent high-leverage performer with 4 saves and 4-5 holds
- + Strong strikeout rate (16-18 K in ~15 IP)
- + Reliable fastball-slider combination
- + Recently extended scoreless streak without walks since April 14
- + Manager Blake Butera trusts him in critical situations
About
Gus Varland is a rp for the Washington Nationals.
Player Overview
RP
Washington Nationals
Recent News
Richard Lovelady tossed a scoreless ninth inning against the Mets on Tuesday for his third save.
May 19, 2026
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May 18, 2026
Richard Lovelady came on with two runners on in the ninth inning and struck out Adley Rutschman to earn his second save of the season.
May 15, 2026
Clayton Beeter, out since Apr. 23 with forearm soreness, is ready to begin a rehab assignment.
May 12, 2026