A big area of concern as the Toronto Blue Jays head to Philadelphia tonight to play the Phillies in the first game of a three-game series is the leaks in closer Louis Varland\u2019s game.<\/p>\n
Varland\u2019s been nails since taking over from Jeff Hoffman as the team\u2019s closer a month into the season. The statistics bear that out \u2013 24 saves (tied for 8th in MLB), a 1.38 ERA, 74 strikeouts, a 1.02 WHIP.<\/p>\n
Varland has hit a rough patch the past week, though, and that\u2019s something bettors need to keep in mind. Aug. 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals, he entered a 1-1 game in the ninth and allowed four runs (not all earned), leading to a 5-1 loss.<\/p>\n
Then yesterday against the Chicago Cubs was an absolute killer for a Jays\u2019 team holding on by their teeth, chasing down the final American League wild-card spot. With the Jays up 2-0, after grinding to be in that position, and with two outs in the ninth inning, Varland gave up a devastating two-home-run home run to Alex Bregman to tie the game. The Cubs would win 3-2 in extra innings.<\/p>\n
It is likely fatigue. But it\u2019s giving bettors another angle to consider if tonight\u2019s game is close late in the game. Toronto\u2019s bullpen has been a strength in what has been a challenging season.<\/p>\n
The Blue Jays sit 3.5 games out of the wild card this morning, with 46 games left to play.<\/p>\n
Tonight\u2019s game is 6:45 p.m. EST at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia (62-54), with Toronto (54-62) rolling out starting pitcher Jose Soriano (9-6, 3.37 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 127 SOs) acquired at the Aug. 3 trade deadline in a deal with the Los Angeles Angels. The Phillies counter tonight with Zack Wheeler (10-2, 2.49 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 126 SOs).<\/p>\n