Blue Jays Player Receives MLB Award Before Rays Game
The Toronto Blue Jays have had an up-and-down start to the 2026 season. They currently sit in third place in the American League East with a record of 16-18. Injuries and the lack of big-time performances from some of the Blue Jays' stars have hurt them after making the World Series last season for the first time since 1993.
One part of manager John Schneider's team that has been great all year has been the back-end of the bullpen, specifically Louis Varland.
The right-hander has been one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball through the first month-plus of the season, and his impressive stat line was rewarded on Monday.
Across 16 appearances out of the bullpen this year, Varland has put up staggering numbers, pitching to a 0.53 ERA in 17 innings, striking out 28 batters while walking just five. He has also closed out four saves for Toronto.
On Monday, Varland was given the American League Reliever of the Month Award for the first month of the season.
"ABSOLUTE DAWG. Louis Varland is your American League Reliever of the Month!" the Blue Jays said on a social media post.
ABSOLUTE DAWG.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 4, 2026
Louis Varland is your American League Reliever of the Month! #BlueJays50pic.twitter.com/rS8SER94ZN
Varland came to the Blue Jays in a trade deadline deal with the Minnesota Twins last season, and the reliever struggled with Toronto. He had a 4.94 ERA in 23 appearances with the Blue Jays in 2025, but he has turned it around completely this season.
With this honor, Varland became the first Toronto reliever to earn the award since Jordan Romano won it twice in 2022.
Varland and Toronto will hope to get back to winning ways on Monday, as the Blue Jays begin a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch from Tropicana Field on Monday is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
Related: Tyler Heineman Makes Opinion of John Schneider Clear After Benching
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 12:13 PM.