The Washington Nationals have found an unlikely closer in Gus Varland

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 07: Gus Varland #47 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images Like so many of these Nats relievers, Gus Varland has bounced around a lot in his career, and is no stranger to the waiver wire. However, it really feels like the 29 year old has finally found a home in the back of the Nats bullpen.

He has become the Nats closer, and has become a trustworthy presence in that role. When Blake Butera needs big outs at the end of games, Varland is the man he turns to. That is what he did yesterday against the Twins.

He called on Varland to get four big outs against his home town team. After allowing a single to Byron Buxton in the 8th, Varland blew away the next four batters he faced, getting his 4th save of the season. Gus Varland gets his 4th Save of the season as the Nationals win the series and push towards a .

500 record Varland now has a 3. 07 ERA and 2. 46 FIP with a 16/3 K/BB ratio pic.