Daulton Varsho
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2022Antiques883072852271538281004120.1690.2390.316
2023Antiques151593701166821230481777120.1960.2580.390
2024Old Geezers1445156110351364144313611110.2000.2640.367
2025Moose12421840204181200.1900.2770.286
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 25 2025Varsho (hamstring) resumed running in the outfield Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho had previously experienced a minor setback while running the bases Monday. An MRI showed some scar tissue irritation but did not reveal any structural issues, so the hope is that the outfielder will be cleared to run the bases again soon. Varsho had been nearing a rehab assignment before the setback, so he should be ready to play in minor-league games soon if all goes well with his running program.
Jun 24 2025Varsho reported tightness in his hamstring while running the bases Monday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has been on the IL since the start of June with a strain in his left hamstring. The Blue Jays will now ease up on his running progression following his latest flare-up, which will likely delay the start of his rehab assignment by a few days. A timeline for his return to Toronto will likely become clearer once he begins playing minor-league games.
Jun 20 2025Varsho (hamstring) is expected to begin playing in minor-league games sometime next week, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reported Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho resumed baseball activities June 6 but hadn't been cleared to run. He's now approaching clearance to play in games and should kick off a rehab assignment next week. Varsho is recovering from a Grade 1 hamstring strain he sustained on the final day of May.
Jun 6 2025Varsho (hamstring) is hitting in the batting cages and playing catch, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reported Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain Saturday and was given a week-to-week recovery timeline. While it's encouraging to see he's begun baseball activities, Varsho hasn't been cleared to run quite yet.
Jun 2 2025Manager John Schneider said prior to Sunday's 8-4 win over the Athletics that Varsho's left hamstring injury is a Grade 1 strain, and the Blue Jays are viewing the outfielder as week-to-week, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Varsho's hamstring strain is of the mild variety, the week-to-week label means that he's not a lock to return from the 10-day injured list when first eligible June 11. Schneider mentioned Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw as the primary candidates to see reps in center field while Varsho is on the shelf, and Jonatan Clase, Alan Roden and Davis Schneider may also get more opportunities to make starts at either of the corner-outfield spots while Anthony Santander (shoulder) is on the IL.
Jun 1 2025The Blue Jays placed Varsho on the 10-day injured list Sunday due to a left hamstring strain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Toronto initially attributed Varsho's early departure from Saturday's 8-7 win over the Athletics to hamstring discomfort, but follow-up testing confirmed that the outfielder had suffered a strain. The severity of the strain isn't known, but even if it's of the mild variety, Varsho may not be ready to immediately return from the IL when first eligible June 11. Myles Straw will get the starting nod in center field in Sunday's series finale, but Nathan Lukes, Alan Roden and George Springer could also get reps at the position while Varsho is on the shelf.
May 31 2025Varsho was removed from Saturday's game against the Athletics due to left hamstring discomfort. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho injured his left hamstring while attempting to stretch a double into a triple in the third inning. The 28-year-old outfielder will undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury. Myles Straw entered the game at the top of the fourth, and he would be in line for more starts in the outfield if Varsho were to be sidelined for an extended period of time.
May 27 2025Varsho went 3-for-5 with a double and a solo home run in Monday's win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The center fielder took Jacob deGrom deep in the first inning, hooking a slider down the right-field line for his eighth homer in just 20 games. Varsho's power display since recovering from shoulder surgery and making a belated season debut in late April has been impressive, but it comes with a .218 batting average, .238 OBP and what would be a career-worst 31.0 percent strikeout rate.
May 25 2025Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho looks to be getting a routine breather Sunday after starting each of Toronto's last eight games. Myles Straw will replace Varsho in center field and bat ninth.
May 21 2025Varsho went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in Wednesday's 14-0 win over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was the seventh long ball already this year by Varsho, who has played just 16 games after missing the start of the season with a shoulder injury. While the outfielder is batting just .217, he has three doubles, 17 RBI, one stolen base and 11 runs scored over 60 at-bats in addition to his homer production. The lefty-hitting Varsho is hitless in nine at-bats against southpaws, but he boasts a 1.003 OPS across 51 at-bats versus right-handers.
May 19 2025Varsho's average exit velocity has increased from 86.1 mph in 2024 to 94.1 mph this season heading into Sunday's game thanks to tweaks he made to his swing mechanics this offseason, Mitch Bannon of the Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: That's an absolutely stunning increase in how hard Varsho is hitting the ball. The center fielder was in the seventh percentile in AEV last year; this year he'd be in 95th percentile if he had enough plate appearances to qualify for the Statcast leaderboard. The added force has led to six homers and a .404 ISO through his first 14 games, and while that pace is unsustainable, Varsho seems poised to take a run at the career-high 27 home runs he slugged in 2022 despite the fact that he missed the first month of the current season while recovering from shoulder surgery.
May 17 2025Varsho went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's loss to the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The center fielder got the Blue Jays on the board in the sixth inning by swatting a Jack Flaherty fastball over the fence in left-center field, but the home team was already in a 4-0 hole at that point. Varsho has been supplying big-time power since making his belated season debut in late April, slashing .227/.265/.659 with six homers and 13 RBI in only 12 games.
May 15 2025Varsho is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Blue Jays have been careful not to overload Varsho since he returned from the injured list April 29, as this is his fourth day off since that date and he also missed an additional game with lower-back tightness. He should be back in the lineup Friday versus the Tigers. Myles Straw is in center field and batting eighth Thursday.
May 14 2025Varsho went 2-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho had a solo home run in the fourth and then a three-run blast in the eighth to put the Blue Jays ahead 7-6. Both long balls had an exit velocity over 113 mph, which were the hardest-hit balls in Varsho's career. He now has five home runs and 11 RBI in 10 games since his season debut April 29, and six of his eight hits on the season so far have gone for extra bases.
May 11 2025Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since being activated from the 10-day injured list April 29 after completing his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, Varsho has yet to start in more than three consecutive games. That trend will continue Sunday, as Myles Straw gets the nod in center while Varsho rests after starting Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Over his first nine games of the season with Toronto, Varsho is slashing .194/.250/.516 with three home runs, one stolen base, seven RBI and four runs.
May 9 2025Varsho went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBI in Thursday's win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The center fielder crushed a Connor Brogdon changeup down the right-field line for a solo shot in the eighth inning, giving Varsho his third homer in seven games since making a delayed season debut after completing his recovery from shoulder surgery. He's batting .273 (6-for-22) with one steal, four runs and six RBI. And while Jays manager John Schneider has eased him back into the lineup -- Varsho has yet to start back-to-back games in May -- the Gold Glover appears ready to handle a full workload.
May 6 2025Varsho (back) will start in center field and bat sixth against the Angels on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was a late scratch from the lineup Sunday due to back tightness, but a couple of days off has him ready to return to the starting nine Tuesday. Since returning from the injured list, the 28-year-old has gone 3-for-14 with two homers, three RBI and three runs scored across five games.
May 5 2025Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Guardians that he's hopeful Varsho (back) will be ready to rejoin the lineup for Tuesday's series opener against the Angels, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho wasn't activated from the 10-day injured list until this past Tuesday while he needed some extra time to begin the season to complete his recovery from the right shoulder surgery he underwent last September, but it was a bout with lower-back tightness that resulted in the outfielder being scratched from the lineup Sunday. Schneider downplayed the injury after the game, noting that Varsho likely could have pushed through the back issue if needed, but the Blue Jays didn't want to take any chances with him so soon after the IL stint. An off day Monday will afford Varsho added time to heal up before the Blue Jays travel to Anaheim for a three-game set.
May 4 2025Varsho was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians due to lower-back tightness, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The severity of the injury isn't known, but it's an encouraging sign that he didn't aggravate his surgically repaired right shoulder, which he spent the first month-plus of the season rehabbing. Varsho should be considered day-to-day and will have Monday's team off day to aid in his recovery ahead of Tuesday's series opener versus the Angels.
May 2 2025Varsho is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Logan Allen on the mound for Cleveland, the lefty-swinging Varsho will take a seat, as Myles Straw gets the start in center field and will bat eighth. In three games since returning from the IL to make his season debut, Varsho is slashing .300/.462/.900 with two home runs, three RBI, two runs scored and three walks across 13 plate appearances.
Apr 30 2025Varsho went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Wednesday's extra-inning win over Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In his just second game since being reinstated from the injured list, Varsho launched his first home run of the campaign. The catcher-turned-outfielder is unlikely to aid fantasy managers in the batting average category -- he hit .214 over 459 at-bats last year -- but he's been a decent source of power and speed in recent seasons. Varsho has notched at least 18 homers and 10 stolen bases in each of the past three years.
Apr 21 2025Varsho (shoulder) will move his rehab assignment from Single-A Dunedin to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in two outings Single-A, but he's progressed enough in his recovery from right shoulder surgery in September to continue rehabbing in Triple-A. The 28-year-old outfielder will be evaluated by the Blue Jays later this week, and there's a chance he could be activated from the 10-day injured list during this weekend's series against the Yankees.
Apr 18 2025Varsho (shoulder) will begin his rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin this weekend, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho is expected to play a couple of games for Dunedin before shifting his rehab assignment to Triple-A Buffalo for approximately five games. Barring any setbacks, that would line Varsho up to return either near the end of the upcoming road trip against the Yankees or for the start of the Blue Jays' homestand April 29. Varsho is in the final stages of his recovery from a procedure on his right shoulder that he underwent in September.
Apr 14 2025Varsho (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin soon, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho recently began throwing in extended spring training games and had no issues with his surgically repaired right shoulder, so he's been cleared to play the field in formal rehab contests. The 28-year-old and his wife are expecting a child in the coming days, and Varsho's rehab assignment will commence after the baby's arrival. Varsho is still expected to be ready for his season debut before the end of April.
Apr 12 2025Varsho (shoulder) will begin throwing in extended spring training games this week, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho hasn't had any problems hitting while recovering from a shoulder procedure he underwent in September, and he's now been cleared to test his shoulder in a competitive environment. If he gets through a few extended spring training games with no issues, he'll be sent to Triple-A Buffalo to begin a rehab assignment before finally making his season debut with Toronto.
Apr 4 2025Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Friday that Varsho (shoulder) is throwing from 150 feet but has not been cleared to throw during extended spring training games, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A rehab assignment does not appear imminent for the center fielder. Varsho did not have any problems hitting in spring training while working his way back from right shoulder surgery, but the Blue Jays want the Gold Glover to be ready to handle his full duties before he's activated from the 10-day injured list.
Mar 31 2025Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Varsho (shoulder) felt good after playing catch out to 150 feet Monday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has been gradually increasing his throwing distance since the early stages of spring training, and the Blue Jays are confident that he's trending in the right direction as he works his way back from rotator cuff surgery, which he underwent last September. Varsho will likely need to extend his distance to around 175 to 200 feet before he would be considered ready to play the outfield in rehab games. Since Varsho is fully cleared to hit and was able to get in plenty of at-bats during the Grapefruit League as a designated hitter, he likely won't need a lengthy rehab assignment before the Blue Jays bring him back from the 10-day injured list. He could be trending toward a mid-April debut with the big club.
Mar 27 2025The Blue Jays placed Varsho (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho produced a .994 OPS over 37 plate appearances as a designated hitter in spring training, but because much of his value is derived from his defense, the Blue Jays will stash him on the IL to begin the season while he waits to gain clearance to play center field. Though he's still on the mend from September surgery on his right shoulder, Varsho recently increased his throwing distance to 120 feet, so he may not need much time to complete his throwing progression before making his 2025 debut. His IL placement is retroactive to Monday, so he'll be eligible to debut as soon as April 4.
Mar 22 2025Varsho (shoulder) will begin the season on the injured list, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has been able to DH this spring with plenty of success, turning in a 1.126 OPS over 33 plate appearances. However, manager John Schneider has said that the 28-year-old would likely head to the IL if he hadn't been cleared to play in the field by Opening Day. Varsho has been throwing from 120 feet, but it doesn't seem like there's enough time to get him outfield-ready in time for the start of the season, so his 2025 debut will be delayed until at least April 6.
Mar 16 2025Manager John Schneider said Sunday that Varsho (shoulder) is likely to begin the season on the injured list if he's not cleared to play the outfield, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old has been serving as a designated hitter in spring games while he continues to work through his rehab from September shoulder surgery, but Schneider apparently doesn't plan to carry that into the regular season. Varsho has extended his throwing distance to 120 feet, and the Blue Jays are expected to make a decision on his availability for Opening Day by the end of the week. Any potential absence to begin the season likely wouldn't be lengthy for the outfielder.
Mar 14 2025Varsho (shoulder) went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the Blue Jays still aren't sure if Varsho will be ready to handle defensive duties by Opening Day, the 28-year-old is doing everything he can to convince the team his bat needs to be in the lineup, even if it's at DH. He's gone yard in back-to-back games after taking Cade Povich deep for a two-run shot in the fifth inning Thursday, and through seven appearances this spring Varsho is batting .350 (7-for-20) with a double, a triple and four home runs. He's on schedule with his throwing progression with two weeks to go ahead of Toronto's season opener, so there's still a good chance the Gold Glove center fielder will be in his usual spot March 27 against Baltimore.
Mar 13 2025Varsho (shoulder) threw out to around 105 feet Thursday and could be cleared to play the outfield by the time the Blue Jays open their season March 27 versus the Orioles, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After he underwent surgery on his right shoulder Sept. 23, Varsho's availability for the start of the 2025 season appeared to be in peril, but the 28-year-old appears to be progressing well in his recovery. Though he hasn't yet been cleared to resume playing the outfield, Varsho has been able to stay on track with his normal spring hitting progression by serving as a designated hitter in six Grapefruit League games and going 5-for-16 with three home runs. A reigning Gold Glove Award winner, Varsho brings a good amount of his value in center field, but the Blue Jays could be open to deploying him as a DH to begin the season if he needs a little extra time to complete his throwing program.
Mar 10 2025Blue Jays manager John Schneider played catch with Varsho (shoulder) from 90-to-100 feet Sunday and said it was "probably the best" the 28-year-old has felt, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will continue to extend the distances of his throwing as he works his way back from right shoulder surgery. The Blue Jays have not ruled Varsho out for Opening Day, although it's unclear whether he would be ready to play the outfield by then. He's looked good at the plate this spring as a designated hitter, going 4-for-13 with two home runs and a 1:3 K:BB.
Mar 3 2025Varsho (shoulder) went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He lofted a Taijuan Walker offering over the right-field fence in the first inning, giving Varsho his second long ball of the spring. The 28-year-old has been limited to DH duties so far as he completes his recovery from shoulder surgery, but he's homered in each of his first two Grapefruit League appearances and has been optimistic he'll be able to avoid an IL stint to begin the regular season.
Feb 28 2025Varsho (shoulder) said Friday that it's "TBD" as to whether he will be ready in time for Opening Day, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Blue Jays manager John Schneider implied at the beginning of camp that he expected Varsho to need some time on the injured list to start the season, so avoiding the IL is probably still unlikely. However, Varsho isn't ruling it out. The 28-year-old homered out of the designated hitter spot Friday in his Grapefruit League debut, and it's possible Toronto will consider carrying him on its Opening Day roster even if he's only able to DH initially. Varsho has extended his throwing distance to 120 feet and the next step is to start throwing over 80 mph regularly.
Feb 27 2025Varsho (shoulder) will make his Grapefruit League debut at designated hitter Friday versus the Yankees, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Recovering from last September's right rotator cuff surgery, Varsho has extended his throwing distance to 120 feet and continues to shag flyballs and hit as he normally would. It's not clear when he might be cleared to play defense in a spring game. Varsho has been ruled out for Opening Day but could be looking at a relatively brief absence to begin the season.
Feb 13 2025Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Varsho (shoulder) has been able to resume hitting and throwing from 90 feet, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Varsho is coming along as expected in his recovery from shoulder surgery, Schneider noted that the Blue Jays are still anticipating that the 28-year-old will miss time to begin the season. Per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Schneider mentioned Joey Loperfido, Nathan Lukes, Jonatan Clase and George Springer as candidates to see reps in center field until Varsho is ready to make his season debut.
Jan 9 2025Varsho (shoulder) agreed to a one-year, $8.2 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho is still recovering from the right rotator cuff surgery he underwent in late September, and while he hasn't fallen behind in his recovery process, there's still a good chance he will miss the first portion of the new season. The 28-year-old slashed .214/.293/.407 with 18 home runs, 50 RBI and 10 stolen bases over 136 games in 2024 and still has one more year of arbitration eligibility.
Dec 3 2024Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Tuesday that expecting Varsho (shoulder) to be ready for Opening Day "could be unrealistic," Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Atkins noted that Varsho isn't behind schedule in his recovery after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder in late September. However, manager John Schneider's original prediction of Varsho being close to full participation for the start of spring training no longer seems likely. A clearer picture regarding the 28-year-old's timeline will emerge as the new season approaches.
Sep 25 2024Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Wednesday that Varsho (shoulder) is expected to be close to a full participant for the start of spring training, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho underwent surgery on his right shoulder Monday, and though the extent of the procedure wasn't known at the time, the Blue Jays indicated that the 28-year-old required a standard rotator cuff repair, with no other damage being detected. While the lack of additional damage to his shoulder qualifies as good news for Varsho, he could still face a tight window to gain full clearance by the time position players report to camp in the second half of February. Any setbacks in the rehab process over the winter could put Varsho at risk of opening the 2025 season on the injured list.
Sep 24 2024The Blue Jays transferred Varsho (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a paper move which frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Orelvis Martinez, who has been reinstated from the suspended list. Varsho underwent right rotator cuff surgery Monday.
Sep 23 2024Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed that Varsho (shoulder) underwent right rotator cuff surgery Monday, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Blue Jays haven't provided a timeline for Varsho to resume baseball activities. Before being shut down for the season earlier this month, Varsho hit just .214 and got on base at a .293 clip over 513 plate appearances, but he was a decent source of counting stats (18 home runs, 10 stolen bases, 73 runs and 58 RBI).
Sep 17 2024Varsho, who was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a shoulder strain Tuesday, will undergo surgery on his rotator cuff as soon as possible, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has been played through the injury for an undisclosed period and will miss the final couple weeks of the regular season. Assuming the 28-year-old is able to get the procedure relatively soon, he should have enough recovery time to be healthy for the start of spring training. Varsho had an underwhelming .214/.293/.407 slash line in 136 games this year, though he still provided some value for fantasy managers with 18 homers, 10 stolen bases, 58 RBI and 73 runs.
Sep 15 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game due to shoulder soreness, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the first report of the injury for Varsho, but it makes sense as he hasn't been in the lineup since Tuesday against the Mets. The Blue Jays have a scheduled day off Monday, so the outfielder will have another two full days to rest up before Tuesday's series opener against the Rangers.
Sep 14 2024Varsho isn't in Toronto's lineup for Saturday's game against St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will sit down for a third consecutive game Saturday after going just 4-for-27 with a homer and two RBI since the start of September. Nathan Lukes will fill in as the Jays' center fielder and bat second.
Sep 13 2024Varsho is not in Friday's lineup against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even with righty Erick Fedde on the mound for St. Louis, Varsho will open the game on the bench. Varsho is hitting .170 with a .235 on-base percentage and three home runs over his last 47 at-bats. Nathan Lukes is starting in left field while Joey Loperfido patrols center.
Sep 11 2024Varsho is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Southpaw Sean Manaea is toeing the rubber for the Mets, so the left-handed-hitting Varsho will be given a day off in the series finale. Joey Loperfido will shift over to center field for the Blue Jays and will be flanked by Davis Schneider and Nathan Lukes.
Sep 8 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will hit the bench Sunday after a run of four straight starts, during which he went 3-for-17 with a homer and six strikeouts. Joey Loperfido will shift to center field while Davis Schneider starts in left against Atlanta southpaw Chris Sale.
Sep 3 2024Varsho (shoulder) will start in center field and bat second in Tuesday's game versus the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho didn't play the last two games because of a sore shoulder, giving him three days in total to rest up when combined with Monday's team off day. The outfielder is coming off his most productive month of the season, having posted an .830 OPS in August.
Sep 1 2024Varsho (shoulder) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has been nursing a right shoulder injury and will receive two consecutive days to rest up thanks to Monday's team off day. Joey Loperfido will shift to center field while Nathan Lukes receives a start in left.
Aug 31 2024Manager John Schneider said Saturday that Varsho has been playing through a right shoulder issue, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca Zwelling reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Zwelling posits that the Blue Jays could take advantage of their upcoming off-days Monday and Thursday and rest Varsho and other players battling through injuries. In the five contests following his nine-game hitting streak, Varsho has gone 2-for-16 with one solo home run and five strikeouts.
Aug 26 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Earlier Monday, the Blue Jays and Red Sox completed a game that was originally suspended in the second inning June 26 due to inclement weather. After playing all eight innings of the Blue Jays' 4-1 win during the afternoon, Varsho will now get a chance to rest in the nightcap. Joey Loperfido will replace Varsho as the Blue Jays' starter in center field.
Aug 25 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will take a seat for the second Sunday in a row while the Blue Jays face off against another southpaw (Tyler Anderson) to close out the weekend series. Joey Loperfido will slide over to center field in place of Varsho, who will put a season-long nine-game hitting streak on hold Sunday unless he's summoned off the bench.
Aug 18 2024Varsho is absent from Sunday's lineup against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Varsho will begin Sunday's contest on the bench with the Cubs sending southpaw Shota Imanaga to the mound. Joey Loperfido will start in center field and bat eighth.
Aug 15 2024Varsho went 3-for-5 with a double, a three-run homer and three runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho doubled in his second trip to the plate before coming around to score on a Vladimir Guerrero single. The outfielder then smacked a three-run shot off Tyler Anderson in the fifth to extend Toronto's lead to six runs, giving him 15 long balls on the campaign. Varsho also posted three hits in the contest for only the second time this season, and he's now registered multiple knocks in two of his last four games. In the month of August, he's slashing .279 with two homers, five RBI and nine runs scored.
Aug 9 2024Varsho went 1-for-2 with two walks, three runs scored and an RBI in Thursday's win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Batting second ahead of the red-hot Vladimir Guerrero paid off for Varsho, as the 28-year-old outfielder set a new season high in runs in a single game. He's showing more life at the plate of late, and over his last 12 games Varsho is slashing .237/.333/.447 with two doubles, two homers, a steal, eight RBI and nine runs.
Aug 3 2024Varsho isn't in the Blue Jays' lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Southpaw Carlos Rodon will start on the mound for New York, so the lefty-hitting Varsho will retreat to the dugout Saturday. Davis Schneider, Joey Loperfido and Steward Berroa will start across the Jays' outfield while Varsho rests.
Aug 2 2024Varsho (illness) is starting in center field and batting fifth Friday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old departed Wednesday's contest due to a heat-related illness, but he's back in the lineup Friday following Thursday's team off day. Varsho is coming off a rough July, as he had a .197/.287/.382 slash line and 27.3 percent strikeout rate in 25 games.
Jul 31 2024Varsho was removed in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game against the Orioles due to heat illness symptoms. He went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run before leaving the game. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Blue Jays were trailing by five runs when Steward Berroa came off the bench in the bottom of the seventh to replace Varsho, so it's possible the 28-year-old would have stayed in the game had the score been more competitive. With the 0-for-2 showing prior to his departure, Varsho's batting average (.199) now sits below the Mendoza Line for the season. Varsho will have a team off day Thursday to recover from the illness before potentially returning to the lineup Friday against the Yankees.
Jul 29 2024Varsho went 1-for-3 with a walk, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Sunday's win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old outfielder took Jonathan Hernandez deep in the first inning, after the right-hander was forced to make an emergency start when Jon Gray (groin) was scratched before the first pitch. Varsho has left the yard in back-to-back games, giving him 13 home runs on the year, but those long balls snapped a 28-game homer drought and he's slashing a tepid .215/.307/.415 through 76 plate appearances in July.
Jul 27 2024Varsho went 1-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho hit a three-run homer in the first inning and added a sacrifice fly in the eighth. He entered the game just 4-for-22 since the All-Star break, and the home run was his first since June 16. On the season, the 28-year-old is hitting .201 with 12 home runs, 43 RBI, 48 runs scored and nine steals across 356 plate appearances.
Jul 26 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After making eight straight starts, Varsho will get the night off Friday against lefty Andrew Heaney. Davis Schneider, Kevin Kiermaier and George Springer will fill the outfield from left to right. Varsho is 4-for-21 with one RBI and one run since the All-Star break.
Jul 12 2024Varsho (knee) is batting fifth and playing left field Friday against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was lifted from Wednesday's game against San Francisco with a left knee contusion and was given the day off Thursday. However, he'll rejoin the lineup Friday against Ryne Nelson and the Diamondbacks. Varsho is 4-for-24 with five walks and a stolen base in July.
Jul 11 2024Varsho (knee) isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will need at least one day off to recover from a left knee contusion, which he sustained in the third inning of Wednesday's 10-6 win on an awkward slide into first base. His absence from the starting nine will allow Davis Schneider to pick up a start in left field.
Jul 10 2024Varsho was removed from Wednesday's game against the Giants due to a left knee contusion. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho made an awkward dive/slide into first base while trying to avoid being tagged out in the second inning. He was able to take the field for the bottom half of the frame but was eventually replaced in left field by Davis Schneider during the third. Varsho's injury shouldn't cause him to miss an extended period of time, though it's possible the Jays give him a day off Thursday to recover.
Jul 4 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started the past four games but will receive Thursday off after going 2-for-14 with a double and eight strikeouts during that stretch. Kevin Kiermaier will start in center field against Houston lefty Framber Valdez.
Jun 29 2024Varsho is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Yankees sending left-hander Nestor Cortes to the mound Saturday, Varsho will retreat to the bench. Varsho returned to the starting lineup Thursday after sitting the three games prior due to a back injury, and he's gone 0-for-8 with five strikeouts over his last two starts. Kevin Kiermaier will start in center field Saturday and bat ninth.
Jun 27 2024Varsho is starting in center field and batting seventh Thursday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho tweaked his back during Saturday's loss and has had to sit out the Blue Jays' last three games, but he seems to be feeling better ahead of Thursday's matchup. The 27-year-old outfielder went just 1-for-19 with six strikeouts across his last five games prior to getting hurt.
Jun 26 2024Varsho (back) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game in Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will hit the bench for a fourth straight contest as he deals with a back injury. He's considered day-to-day. Kevin Kiermaier will make another start in center field and bat ninth for the Blue Jays.
Jun 25 2024Varsho (back) is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will be out of the starting nine for the third straight game after tweaking his back Saturday. Kevin Kiermaier will make another start in center field and bat ninth Tuesday.
Jun 24 2024Varsho (back) is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho tweaked his back on a swing in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Guardians and has now been out of the lineup for two straight contests. He's available off the bench, per Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic, seemingly giving him a good chance to return to the lineup Tuesday. Kevin Kiermaier will handle center field Monday while Varsho takes a seat.
Jun 23 2024Varsho (back) is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will be given the day off Sunday after experiencing lower left back tightness on his swing in the ninth inning in Saturday's loss, per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca. The good news for Varsho is his injury is believed to be short term, and the 27-year-old is expected to avoid a stint on the IL. Kevin Kiermaier will start in center field Sunday and bat ninth against Cleveland right-hander Triston McKenzie.
Jun 22 2024Varsho experienced back tightness late in Saturday's game against the Guardians and will be given the day off for Sunday's series finale, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho grounded out in the ninth inning but never made it out of the batters box, immediately grabbing at his lower back after making contact. Though the injury doesn't seem of much concern, Varsho will be held out of Sunday's contest. Varsho went 0-for-4 with a strikeout during Saturday's 6-3 loss.
Jun 19 2024Varsho went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Tuesday's loss to the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Getting the start in center field and hitting cleanup, Varsho pilfered his third bag in the last 10 games and his eighth of the season in nine attempts. The 27-year-old sports a lopsided .216/.296/.446 slash line on the season with 11 homers, 35 RBI and 40 runs in 69 contests, but his .742 OPS still provides a significant improvement on the Blue Jays' other option in center field, Kevin Kiermaier (.545 OPS).
Jun 16 2024Varsho went 2-for-5 with a grand slam in Sunday's win versus Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho took Nick Sandlin deep in the fifth inning to record the third grand slam of his career. Varsho has enjoyed a nice start to the month of June, batting .277 with eight extra-base hits and two steals. On the season, the versatile 27-year-old is batting .220 with 11 home runs, 35 RBI, 40 runs scored and seven stolen bases across 67 games.
Jun 10 2024Varsho went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and a stolen base in Sunday's extra-inning win over the A's. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old outfielder has stolen bags in back-to-back games, giving him seven steals on the year. Varsho keeps finding ways to be productive, and through nine games in June he's batting .296 (8-for-27) with three doubles, two triples and six runs scored.
Jun 7 2024Varsho isn't in the Blue Jays' lineup Friday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Hogan Harris will start on the bump for Oakland, so the lefty-hitting Varsho will watch the beginning of Friday's game from the dugout. Davis Schneider will fill the opening in left field, moving Isiah Kiner-Falefa to second base while Ernie Clement starts at the hot corner.
Jun 3 2024Varsho went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was also caught stealing for the first time in six attempts, but overall it was a strong performance from Varsho, who got the start in center field and hit eighth. The 27-year-old has had trouble building momentum at the plate -- he hasn't hit safely in three straight games since early May -- and on the season he's slashing .213/.301/.454 with 10 homers, 30 RBI and 33 runs in 54 contests.
Jun 1 2024Varsho (illness) will start in center field and bat second Saturday versus the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will return to the lineup after missing Friday's 5-3 win due to food poisoning. The 27-year-old has struggled to a .157 average with seven extra-base hits, including four homers, over his last 18 contests.
May 31 2024Varsho was unavailable for Friday's game against the Pirates due to food poisoning, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's absence Friday shielded him from facing left-hander Bailey Falter, but the Blue Jays have now revealed they held the 27-year-old out due to illness rather than an unfavorable matchup. Davis Schneider moved from second base to left field Friday to cover for Varsho, and he may continue to do so if Varsho's condition doesn't improve Saturday.
May 24 2024Varsho went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's rout of the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His seventh-inning long ball off Jack Flaherty broke open what had been a 1-1 pitchers' duel, sending the Blue Jays on their way to an eventual 9-1 victory. Varsho has five multi-RBI performances in the last nine games, and on the season he leads Toronto in both homers (nine) and RBI (27) despite an unimpressive .213/.303/.458 slash line.
May 21 2024Varsho went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a second run scored in Monday's win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old outfielder crushed a Erick Fedde changeup over the right-field fence in the second inning for his eighth long ball of the season. Varsho is batting just .182 (10-for-55) in May, but half his hits have gone for extra bases (three doubles, two homers) and he's stayed productive with two steals, nine runs and nine RBI in 14 games.
May 16 2024Varsho went 0-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base in Wednesday's loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Batting second once again, Varsho stole his fifth base of the season in the fifth inning but was left stranded at third base in an eventual 3-2 loss. The 27-year-old is struggling to produce consistent contact -- he's batting only .150 (6-for-40) in May -- but over half of Varsho's 27 hits on the season have gone for extra bases, as he has eight doubles and seven homers.
May 13 2024Varsho went 1-for-5 with a home run and two RBI Monday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's seventh-inning home run tied the game and opened the door for his 10th-inning RBI ground out that provided the winning run for the Blue Jays. Prior to Monday's blast, Varsho had not homered since April 22, hitting just .173 with four RBI over 52 at-bats during that 15 game stretch.
Apr 30 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho won't face the left-handed Cole Ragans on Tuesday as the Blue Jays trot out a lineup of eight righties and Cavan Biggio. The outfielder is 1-for-14 (.071) across his last four games but will likely slide back into the Toronto lineup Wednesday when the Jays face RHP Seth Lugo.
Apr 23 2024Varsho went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Monday's win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old outfielder gave the Blue Jays some crucial insurance runs in the sixth inning by taking Brady Singer deep. Varsho has six homers on the season, and all of them have come in the last 10 games -- a stretch in which he's batting .355 (11-for-31) with three doubles, two steals, nine runs and 13 RBI.
Apr 20 2024Varsho went 3-for-4 with a three-run home run, a double, a stolen base and an additional run scored in Saturday's 5-2 win against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old started the scoring with a three-run shot to right field in the opening frame and collected two more knocks for his first three-hit game of the campaign. Varsho posted a .597 OPS in his first 17 contests of the season, but he's gone 6-for-15 with two doubles, three homers and two steals over his past four games.
Apr 17 2024Varsho went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho opened the scoring with a two-run shot off Marcus Stroman in the second inning before extending Toronto's lead to 3-1 with a second homer off left-hander Caleb Ferguson in the seventh. The 27-year-old Varsho has heated up after a slow start to the year, going 8-for-25 (.320) with four homers in his last eight games. Overall, he's slashing .218/.295/.473 through his first 61 plate appearances this season.
Apr 14 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Varsho will be shielded from southpaw Kyle Freeland as the Blue Jays counter with a right-handed-heavy lineup for the series finale. Varsho had started in each of the last four games and provided the most important hit of Saturday's 5-3 win, with his two-out, first-inning grand slam holding up as the difference in the victory.
Apr 13 2024Varsho went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho punctuated a five-run first inning against Colorado starter Dakota Hudson with a grand slam, his second homer in as many days after he went 13 games without a long ball to begin the season. The 27-year-old still has yet to attempt a stolen base in 2024. He will likely need to provide some speed in order to remain relevant in mixed rotisserie leagues now that he's lost catcher eligibility.
Apr 8 2024Varsho is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho is just 4-for-30 through 10 games this season, and he'll take a seat Monday against Seattle righty Luis Castillo. Davis Schneider will receive the start in left field and bat fifth.
Apr 2 2024Varsho isn't in Toronto's lineup for Tuesday's game against Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Southpaw Framber Valdez will take the mound for Houston to begin Tuesday's contest, meaning the left-handed bat of Varsho will start the game on the bench. Davis Schneider will fill the void in left field and bat fifth.
Mar 25 2024Varsho was scratched from the lineup Monday for the Blue Jays' Grapefruit League game against the Pirates due to a personal matter, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Varsho will miss the Blue Jays' spring finale, the team hasn't indicated that his availability for Thursday's season opener in Tampa Bay is in any peril. Varsho is expected to serve as the Blue Jays' everyday left fielder in 2024 and should occupy a spot in the middle-third of the batting order versus right-handed pitching.
Mar 17 2024Varsho went 2-for-2 with a walk, a run scored and three stolen bases in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old left fielder is now a perfect 6-for-6 on the basepaths this spring while batting .400 (12-for-30) with three doubles and an outstanding 8:2 BB:K. Varsho worked on his swing over the winter to try and emphasize line drives instead of selling out for power, and the results in camp suggest the approach is working. If he can produce more hits and get on base more often, Varsho could top the career-high 16 stolen bases he's recorded each of the last two seasons.
Mar 13 2024Varsho went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old outfielder spent the offseason working to level out his swing and get away from the power-oriented approach he used in 2023, and so far this spring the change has yielded good results. Through 10 Grapefruit League contests, Varsho is batting .364 (8-for-22) with two doubles, two steals and a 6:1 BB:K. He's never hit above .246 in a big-league season, but a focus on making better contact could lead to a career-best performance in that category while still producing double-digit homers and steals.
Feb 18 2024Varsho felt he sold out for power in 2023 and got away from the swing that had given him success prior to being traded to the Blue Jays, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports. "(That) got me just underneath the ball," Varsho said Saturday, "missing a lot of pitches that I should be hammering and getting in bad counts when you're fouling off the ball you should be hitting." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old still supplied the Jays with excellent defense in left and center field, but his .674 OPS was a disappointment after Varsho had posted a .748 OPS with the Diamondbacks in 2021-22. "It's not about how high you hit it, it's about how hard you hit it and how low on a line," he said. "That was my approach going into this offseason... being able to get that feel back of staying above the baseball." Given his age and pedigree, it's possible Varsho hasn't reached his ceiling yet at the plate, but the Jays -- and those with fantasy shares in him -- would be content to see him simply regain his prior form.
Jan 11 2024Varsho signed a one-year, $5.7 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho had a disappointing first season in Toronto, as he managed only a .674 OPS across 580 plate appearances. He still managed 20 home runs and 16 RBI and was excellent with the glove, the latter of which should keep him safely in the lineup on most days.
Oct 1 2023Varsho went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and one run scored in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho launched a leadoff homer in his first at-bat to give the Blue Jays their first run of the game and later added a two-run single to put Toronto on top 3-2. The left fielder has now homered in two of his last three games and four of his last 10, tallying eight RBI over that latter stretch. He's also recorded two hits in three of his last seven games.
Sep 27 2023Varsho is not in the lineup Wednesday versus the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Whit Merrifield, Kevin Kiermaier and George Springer will start across the outfield. Varsho has put up 18 homers and 16 steals in 154 games this season with Toronto, but he holds an underwhelming .220/.285/.382 overall batting line.
Sep 21 2023Varsho is not in the lineup Thursday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will grab a bit of rest after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout Wednesday in New York. Whit Merrifield, Kevin Kiermaier and George Springer are starting across the outfield for the Blue Jays in Thursday's series finale.
Sep 18 2023Varsho went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His fifth-inning shot off Nick Pivetta snapped a 23-game homer drought for Varsho, who slashed a feeble .185/.274/.262 over that stretch with zero steals, five RBI and seven runs. It's been a tough first season in Toronto for the 27-year-old, but despite a .663 OPS that's well below the level he's established in Arizona, he's still produced his second straight 15-15 campaign with 17 home runs and 15 stolen bases in 148 games.
Sep 14 2023Varsho isn't in the Blue Jays' lineup Thursday against Texas, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will get a breather Thursday after going 0-for-7 across his last three games. Whit Merrifield will start in left field and bat seventh while Varsho rests.
Sep 10 2023Varsho is absent from the lineup Sunday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho contributed a double and a run scored to the Blue Jays' 5-1 win over Kansas City on Saturday, but he'll take a seat in Sunday's series finale as left-hander Cole Ragans toes the slab. Whit Merrifield is in left field, Kevin Kiermaier is in center field and George Springer is in right.
Sep 5 2023Varsho isn't in the Blue Jays' lineup Tuesday against Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Ken Waldichuk will start on the mound for Oakland on Tuesday, meaning the lefty-hitting Varsho will remain in Toronto's dugout to begin the game. Whit Merrifield will start in left field in Varsho's place, moving Davis Schneider to second base and Santiago Espinal in at third base.
Aug 23 2023Varsho went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer and a steal in Tuesday's 6-3 win over Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho put the Blue Jays ahead 2-1 with a two-run homer off Grayson Rodriguez in the second inning, his 16th of the year and third in his last seven games. Over that span, Varsho's gone 9-for-23 (.391) with a 1.370 OPS, boosting his slash line to .224/.288/.388 with 52 runs scored, 47 RBI and 15 stolen bases across 463 plate appearances this season.
Aug 20 2023Varsho went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho contributed in myriad ways, reaching on a bunt single in the second inning, ripping an RBI base hit in the fourth and adding a ninth-inning stolen base after drawing a walk. The 27-year-old outfielder has now hit safely in five of his last six games, going 7-for-19 with two doubles, two home runs, eight RBI, five runs scored and a stolen base during that stretch.
Aug 17 2023Varsho went 1-for-2 with a walk and a two-run home run in Wednesday's 9-4 loss to the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He gave the Jays an early 2-1 lead in the second inning by taking Aaron Nola deep, but it was the only extra-base hit Philly pitching gave up all night. Varsho has had a tough first campaign with Toronto, but he could be turning things around for the stretch run. Over his last 12 games, the 27-year-old outfielder is batting .278 (10-for-36) with three of his 15 homers on the year and 10 of his 44 RBI.
Aug 13 2023Varsho went 2-for-5 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 11-4 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was Varsho's most impactful performance in an otherwise disappointing first season with the Blue Jays. His three-run shot in the second gave the Jays a lead they'd never relinquish. The home run was only his second since June 17, and it was his first multi-RBI performance since June 2. A .255 BABIP provides hope that at some point his bad luck may improve.
Aug 10 2023Varsho is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's just a breather for Varsho with it being a day game after a night game. Nathan Lukes will be in center field, Whit Merrifield will handle left and Davis Schneider will be at second base.
Aug 6 2023Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox are deploying a left-handed opening pitcher (Brennan Bernardino) and are expected to use a left-handed bulk reliever (Chris Murphy) on Sunday, so the lefty-hitting Varsho will retreat to the bench. Whit Merrifield will cover left field while Varsho takes a seat in the series finale.
Aug 5 2023Varsho went 2-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and a second run scored in Friday's 7-3 win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Blue Jays launched five homers on the night in a classic Fenway Park fireworks display, and Varsho's came in the sixth inning off Mauricio Llovera as he ripped a 90.7 mph cutter deep to right field. That snapped a 37-game homer drought for the 27-year-old outfielder, who slashed a rough .164/.205/.209 over that stretch with only two steals, seven RBI and eight runs along with a 33.9 percent strikeout rate. Varsho has been showing signs of coming out of that slump, however -- he's struck out only once in the last six games, going 5-for-17 (.294) with a couple doubles in addition to Friday's long ball -- and he could be on the brink of a big August.
Jul 29 2023Varsho isn't in the Blue Jays' lineup Saturday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With lefty Reid Detmers set to take the mound for the Angels, the lefty-hitting Varsho will remain in Toronto's dugout to begin the game. Whit Merrifield will take over in left field while Santiago Espinal starts at second base and bats eighth.
Jul 25 2023Varsho isn't in the Blue Jays' lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Julio Urias set to start on the bump for Los Angeles, the lefty-hitting Varsho will remain in Toronto's dugout to begin the game. Whit Merrifield will take over in left field while Santiago Espinal starts at second and bats seventh.
Jul 21 2023Varsho went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has not logged a multi-hit effort since June 17, going just 12-for-76 (.158) over his last 25 contests. The 27-year-old has at least picked up two steals in that span, but it's tough to make much of an impact without getting on base more. He's at a .214/.276/.360 slash line with 12 home runs, 12 steals, 31 RBI, 39 runs scored and 13 doubles through 96 contests. With the way he's hitting lately, he's not offering much fantasy appeal even in formats where he still has catcher eligibility.
Jul 20 2023Varsho is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed Blake Snell will toe the rubber for San Diego, so Varsho is getting the day off. Whit Merrifield will play left field while Santiago Espinal covers second base.
Jul 16 2023Varsho isn't in the Blue Jays' lineup Sunday versus Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After beginning the second half 1-for-7 with three strikeouts, Varsho will receive a day off Sunday against left-hander Tommy Henry. Whit Merrifield will move out to left field in Varhso's absence, allowing Santiago Espinal to start at second base and bat eighth.
Jul 9 2023Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Varsho will take a seat Sunday with the Tigers bringing southpaw Tarik Skubal to the mound in the series finale. Varsho has gone just 1-for-19 over his last six games, bringing his season-long batting line down to .215/.279/.370 over 348 plate appearances.
Jul 5 2023Varsho is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: White Sox starter Lance Lynn has been crushed by left-handed batters this season, but Varsho will get a day off, anyway, as he enters play Wednesday in a 5-for-35 slump. Whit Merrifield will play left field and Cavan Biggio will be at second base.
Jun 25 2023Varsho is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho is mired in an 0-for-13 slump and will head to the bench for Sunday's series finale versus the A's. Whit Merrifield will slide out to left field while Santiago Espinal starts at the keystone.
Jun 21 2023Varsho is not in the starting lineup Wednesday versus the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will head to the bench after he went 1-for-8 with five strikeouts while starting the first two games of the series. Whit Merrifield will replace him in left field while Santiago Espinal enters the lineup at second base and bats seventh in the series finale with Miami.
Jun 17 2023Varsho went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Dane Dunning deep in the fourth inning for the Jays' final run of the game. Varsho continues to roll in June, and through 16 games this month he's batting .302 (16-for-53) with four of his 12 homers and four of his 10 steals on the season.
Jun 14 2023Varsho went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored in Tuesday's 11-6 loss against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho now has back-to-back multi-hit performances, going 5-for-8 in his last two games. Following a slow start to his tenure in Toronto, the 26-year-old Varsho has gone 22-for-77 (.286) with a .872 OPS since May 22. Overall, he's slashing .231/.302/.409 with 11 homers, 33 runs scored, 26 RBI and nine steals through 275 plate appearances.
Jun 12 2023Varsho went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in Sunday's win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was on the front half of a double steal with Whit Merrifield in the fifth inning, giving Varsho his ninth pilfer of the season. The 26-year-old is also doing more damage with his bat lately, and over his last 15 games he sports a .269/.345/.519 slash line with four of his 11 homers on the year.
Jun 8 2023Varsho is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Framber Valdez toeing the rubber for the Astros, it's probably a good day to give Varsho some rest. He's managed just a .571 OPS against left-handed pitching this season. Whit Merrifield will move out to left field while Santiago Espinal handles second base.
Jun 7 2023Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Hunter Brown deep in the fourth inning, giving Varsho homers in back-to-back contests as he extended his hitting streak to 10 games. The 26-year-old has only one multi-hit performance during that stretch, but it's still an encouraging turnaround after he held a .209/.278/.361 slash line when the streak begin May 27.
Jun 6 2023Varsho went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Seth Martinez deep in the eighth inning, a garbage-time blast in an eventual 11-4 loss. Varsho has hit safely in nine straight games, a stretch in which he's batting .294 (10-for-34) with three of his 10 homers on the season.
Jun 3 2023Varsho went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 3-0 win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Getting the green light on a 3-0 pitch from Jeff Brigham in the ninth inning, Varsho turned on a 91.1-mph fastball up in the zone and put it in the second deck at Citi Field. It's Varsho's ninth homer of the season and third in his last 11 games, but he's still struggling to find a rhythm at the plate -- over that 11-game stretch, the 26-year-old outfielder is slashing just .244/.261/.467.
May 24 2023Varsho went 2-for-6 with two runs scored and three RBI in Tuesday's rout of the Rays ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There was plenty of offense to go around in the Toronto lineup as the Blue Jays nearly set franchise records with a 27-hit, 20-run eruption, and every starter recorded at least two hits. Varsho had gone 13 straight games without registering multiple hits, slashing just .125/.160/.271 during his slump, but this may have been the spark the 26-year-old needed to get his bat going.
May 23 2023Varsho is starting in left field and batting seventh for the Blue Jays on Tuesday in Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was down in the seven spot once this past weekend, as well, as he battles through a 5-for-45 slump. He did homer Monday and has put five over the boards this month, so he hasn't been totally bereft of production in May.
May 21 2023Varsho will sit Sunday versus the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will get a breather after he went 0-for-9 with three strikeouts over the first two games of the series. Nathan Lukes will replace him in left field and bat eighth in the series finale with Baltimore.
May 12 2023Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 3-0 win over Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Kirby Yates deep in the eighth inning to give the Blue Jays a late insurance run. Varsho has caught fire in May, swatting four of his six homers on the season in 10 games while batting .333 (13-for-39) with two steals, three doubles, five runs and 10 RBI.
May 8 2023Varsho went 2-for-5 with a double, a homer and two RBI in Sunday's 10-1 win over Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has now hit safely in six straight contests, going 11-for-24 with three home runs in that span after batting just .186 in his first 28 games. Varsho's hot streak has boosted his line to .238/.319/.413 through 144 plate appearances. He's added five homers, 15 RBI, 17 runs scored and six stolen bases while getting regular at-bats in the middle of Toronto's lineup.
May 3 2023Varsho went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to Boston on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho got the scoring started in the contest, launching a solo shot to right field in the second inning. After going deep just twice in his first 28 games this season, Varsho has now homered in consecutive contests. He's starting to emerge from a disappointing start to the campaign but is still slashing just .209/.302/.364 through 126 plate appearances.
Apr 6 2023Varsho went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old has multiple hits in three of the last four games as he's quickly gotten comfortable with his new team. Varsho is batting .333 (8-for-24) with a homer, a steal, three RBI and four runs through his first six contests as a Blue Jay, and if he continues to hit cleanup against right-handed pitching in a potent lineup, he stands an excellent chance of topping last year's career-highs of 74 RBI and 79 runs.
Apr 5 2023Varsho went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His first homer as a Blue Jay came in the sixth inning, as he took Carlos Hernandez deep for an insurance run in a 4-1 victory. Varsho also made a contribution on the defensive end, throwing out Matt Duffy by a mile at the plate in the second inning. The 26-year-old has played all five of his games in the outfield so far, four in left and one in center, and is batting .250 (5-for-20) with a homer, a steal, three runs and three RBI.
Apr 3 2023Varsho went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old had his first multi-hit performance and swiped his first base as a member of the Blue Jays. Big things are expected from Varsho this year after an offseason trade from Arizona, and after stealing a career-high 16 bases in 2022, he could be ready to take a run at 20 thanks to MLB's rule changes.
Mar 30 2023Varsho is starting in left field and batting cleanup for the Blue Jays on Thursday in St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There had been some thought that Varsho could bat sixth, so this is good news for the former Diamondback. Brandon Belt is in the six hole, with catcher Alejandro Kirk sandwiched in between at fifth.
Mar 25 2023Varsho went 2-for-3 with a walk, a triple, two runs scored and an RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old pulled a pitch from Phillies closing candidate Gregory Soto into the right-field corner in the second inning and slid into third without a throw. Varsho hit sixth in the batting order, which isn't ideal for his fantasy value, but his production could still take a step forward as he focuses on playing the outfield rather than splitting his time at catcher as well. He's gone 10-for-46 (.217) this spring with a home run and two stolen bases.
Feb 25 2023Varsho isn't expected to see any work at catcher during Grapefruit League play but will handle some bullpen sessions behind the plate, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old saw action in 31 games at catcher last season with Arizona before being dealt to Toronto in December, but the Blue Jays plan to deploy Varsho as their starting left fielder rather than having him bounce between positions. It's possible he sees some late-game action behind the plate in an emergency, but in all likelihood he will lose his catcher eligibility in most fantasy leagues heading into 2024. The tradeoff could be a better offensive performance after he posted a .745 OPS with a career-high 27 home runs and 16 stolen bases over 151 games last year.
Feb 16 2023Varsho was highlighted as a player who could steal more bases in 2023 by Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Toronto was more aggressive on the basepaths after Schneider took over last season, but rule changes to increase the size of the bases and limit pickoff attempts could see the Jays running wild all year. "We definitely have the personnel that can do that," Schneider said this week. "It's something I've always liked, not just stealing bases but being aggressive first to third, first to home or second to home. Those are the things that we'll be focused on." Varsho stole 16 bases on 22 attempts in 2022 for Arizona, but a leap to 25 steals or more isn't out of the question for the 26-year-old given the style of offense Schneider is pushing for.
Jan 13 2023Varsho agreed to a one-year, $3.05 million contract with the Blue Jays on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Recently acquired by the Blue Jays from the Diamondbacks, Varsho was able to come to terms with his new team in his first year of arbitration eligibility. The 26-year-old had a .235/.302/.443 slash line with 27 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 151 games last season, and he's expected to open 2023 as Toronto's primary left fielder.
Dec 23 2022Varsho was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Diamondbacks on Friday in exchange for Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: During his first full MLB season in 2022, Varsho compiled a .235/.302/.443 slash line with 27 home runs, 74 RBI and 16 stolen bases. He helps to balance out a right-handed heavy Toronto lineup and will also offer a big defensive upgrade in left field, with the versatility to play center field when Kevin Kiermaier isn't available. Varsho retains catcher eligibility in most fantasy leagues heading into 2023, but Toronto's depth at the position suggests he's probably not going to play much, if at all, behind the plate. The 26-year-old is under team control through 2026.
Oct 2 2022Varsho went 2-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has turned up the speed late in the season, recording five of his 15 steals this year in his last 12 games. That's despite hitting just .184 in that span, as his hitting has slumped late in the campaign. The 26-year-old still has a .239/.307/.451 slash line with 27 home runs, 73 RBI, 79 runs scored, 23 doubles and three triples across 148 games, and he's often hit in the upper third of the order despite his recent struggles.
Oct 1 2022Varsho isn't in the lineup Saturday against San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started the last five games and went 3-for-19 with a home run, a double, four runs, two RBI and two stolen bases. He'll get a breather while Corbin Carroll starts in center field and bats seventh.
Sep 27 2022Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Tuesday's loss against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Arizona down 8-1 in the eighth inning, Varsho crushed a hanging curveball from reliever Phil Maton into the seats in right field to reduce the deficit to 8-2. The long ball was Varsho's ninth this month. After hitting just 11 home runs in 95 games last season, Varsho is now up to 27 over 144 games this season, an increase which can be mostly explained by modest increases in both FB percentage and HR:FB percentage.
Sep 23 2022Varsho is not in Friday's lineup against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will head to the bench with lefty Carlos Rodon starting for San Francisco. He had started seven of the last eight games, including three starts against lefties.
Sep 20 2022Varsho isn't starting in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho went 2-for-5 in the first game of Tuesday's twin bill and will begin the second game in the dugout with lefty Tyler Anderson starting for Los Angeles. Jordan Luplow will pick up the start in right field for Varsho and bat seventh.
Sep 15 2022Varsho is not in the lineup Thursday against the Padres, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Sean Manaea will start Thursday's contest on the bump for San Diego, so the lefty-hitting Varsho will begin the game on the bench. In his place, Jordan Luplow will start in right field and bat sixth in the order.
Sep 12 2022Varsho is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho -- and his .572 OPS against LHP -- will get the day off Monday as the Dodgers will start with southpaw Tyler Anderson on the mound. Jake McCarthy will take his place in right field and Stone Garrett will serve as Arizona's designated hitter, batting sixth.
Sep 10 2022Varsho went 1-for-4 with a grand slam and a stolen base in a 13-10 loss to the Rockies on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho came up to the plate with the bases loaded in the top of the fifth and sent the offering over the right field wall for his first career grand slam. Varsho has been on fire lately and now has six homers over seven games played in September. He also stole his ninth base of the season and is on pace for a 25-homer, 10-steal campaign.
Sep 7 2022Varsho went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho went deep twice off Yu Darvish in this contest. An impressive start to September for Varsho continues -- he's hit five homers in his last five games. The 26-year-old is up to 23 long balls this year while adding 64 RBI, 66 runs scored, eight stolen bases and a .243/.311/.457 slash line through 497 plate appearances.
Sep 6 2022Varsho went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's picked up the power pace in September with three homers in his last 17 at-bats. The 26-year-old has gone yard 22 times this year while adding 63 RBI, 65 runs scored, eight stolen bases and a .241/.310/.443 slash line through 124 contests.
Sep 5 2022Varsho isn't starting Monday against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho homered in the last two games, going 3-for-7 with two homers, three RBI, a walk and a strikeout across that span. The 26-year-old will rest while Jake McCarthy draws the start in right field and bats sixth.
Sep 4 2022Varsho started in right field and went 1-for-3 with a walk, a home run and two RBI in Saturday's 8-6 loss to the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho returned to the lineup Saturday after a rest day Friday. The homer was his 19th of the year and third over the last eight games. He'll likely get occasional days off going forward, as manager Torey Lovullo juggles a crowded outfield.
Sep 2 2022Varsho is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts over the past two contests and will take a seat Friday. Corbin Carroll will shift to right field while Stone Garrett starts in left.
Aug 30 2022Varsho went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 12-3 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was one of three Diamondbacks to record three or more hits in the win. One of those hits was his 20th double of the year, the first time he's reached that milestone. He's gone 8-for-19 (.421) over his last five games with four extra-base hits and seven runs scored. For the season, Varsho has a .241/.312/.432 slash line with 18 home runs, 58 RBI, 61 runs scored and eight stolen bases through 118 contests.
Aug 29 2022Varsho is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho reached base seven times over his last four games, but the left-handed hitter will be held out with southpaw Ranger Suarez on the bump for the opponent. Corbin Carroll will cover right field for the Diamondbacks on Monday night.
Aug 27 2022Varsho went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 7-2 victory over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's third-inning shot put Arizona up 7-0 and would turn out to be their last run of the game. It was his 18th homer of the year, his fifth this month, and his second in as many games. The catcher has impressed throughout the season, but has struggled with strikeouts, picking up 21 of them in 23 contests this month alone compared to 20 hits. He is slashing .238/.308/.429 on the year.
Aug 25 2022Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's leadoff homer in the fifth inning gave the Diamondbacks a 1-0 lead, which appeared to be enough for starter Zac Gallen, who hasn't allowed a run over his last 27.1 innings, but the Royals got to Arizona's bullpen for five runs in the seventh. Varsho's long ball, his 17th of the season, snapped a 16-game drought without a home run and was his first hit in 15 at-bats.
Aug 21 2022Varsho is not in Sunday's lineup against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started each of the team's last three games and collected two hits across 13 at-bats. He'll take a seat Sunday against lefty Jose Quintana, with Jordan Luplow entering the lineup to play in right field and hit seventh.
Aug 17 2022Varsho is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started the past 19 games and will receive a day off after posting an .818 OPS during that stretch. Stone Garrett, Alek Thomas and Jordan Luplow will start from left to right in the outfield.
Aug 15 2022Varshow (jaw) is in the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was removed from Sunday's game after being struck by a ball on his face, but he will not wind up missing any further action. Varsho has not hit leadoff since June 24, but he will occupy the top spot in the order Monday night and will get the start in right field.
Aug 12 2022Varsho went 1-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a stolen base in a 9-3 with against the Pirates on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho broke the game open in the seventh inning with a bases-clearing double that gave Arizona an 8-3 lead. He subsequently stole third and came home to score on a Jake McCarthy groundout. This was the seventh three-RBI game of the campaign for Varsho, who is putting up solid numbers for a player with catcher eligibility with 16 homers, 55 RBI, eight stolen bases and a .240/.313/.431 slash line on the season.
Aug 6 2022Varsho went 1-for-2 with two walks and a solo home run in Friday's 6-5 win over Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's fourth-inning homer was his 15th of the season and gave him 50 RBI through 96 games. The young outfielder/catcher has smoldered since the All-Star break, slashing .300/.417/.575 with three home runs, five RBI, eight walks and nine runs scored over 12 contests.
Aug 4 2022Varsho went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho, who was a double-digit base stealer in the minors, hasn't run as much since coming to the majors, but Wednesday's theft was his career-high seventh (caught four times). He has 26 starts at catcher in 2022, which likely qualifies him for that position next season. A catcher-eligible player that runs is a valuable fantasy asset.
Jul 26 2022Varsho will sit Tuesday versus the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will get a breather after he went 0-for-3 with a walk and strikeout in Monday's series opener. Jake McCarthy will slide over to designated hitter while Buddy Kennedy enters the lineup at second base and bats fifth against San Francisco.
Jul 24 2022Varsho went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks, a stolen base, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho provided an RBI single in the first inning, then walked, stole second, and scored in the fourth. In three games since the All-Star break, the 26-year-old has gone 4-for-11 with a home run and five runs scored. He's up to a .237/.305/.417 slash line with 13 homers, six steals, 47 RBI, 44 runs scored, 15 doubles and a triple through 348 plate appearances this year.
Jul 22 2022Varsho went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and three total runs scored in Friday's 10-1 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho went 3-for-30 in 10 games prior to the All-Star break, but he broke out of that slump in a big way Friday. His homer came in the sixth inning to extend the Diamondbacks' lead to 6-0. The 26-year-old is up to 13 long balls, 46 RBI, 42 runs scored, five stolen bases and a .239/.305/.423 slash line through 339 plate appearances.
Jul 16 2022Varsho isn't starting Saturday against San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho went 3-for-15 with a triple, four RBI, four walks and six strikeouts over the last five games and will get a breather Saturday. Jake McCarthy is starting in right field and batting sixth.
Jul 9 2022Varsho isn't starting Saturday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho is getting a chance to reset after he went 0-for-11 with a walk and three strikeouts over the last three games. Jordan Luplow will start in right field and bat fifth.
Jul 5 2022Varsho went 2-for-2 with a three-run home run and a double in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho didn't start Tuesday -- Carson Kelly was behind the dish and Jordan Luplow patrolled right field. Varsho entered the game as a pinch hitter for Kelly in the seventh inning and promptly hit a ground rule double. He stayed in the game and added a three-run blast in the eighth to give the Diamondbacks a multi-run lead. The 26-year-old is locked in at the plate, as he's gone 8-for-16 (.500) with a pair of homers and nine RBI to begin July. For the season, he's slashing .247/.305/.435 with 12 long balls, 41 RBI, 38 runs scored, five stolen bases and 15 doubles through 74 contests. He may sit out against some southpaws, but he'll often pinch hit against right-handed relievers in those games.
Jul 2 2022Varsho went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 11-7 loss to the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho went yard as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning, but that only got the Diamondbacks within four runs. He's gone 8-for-38 (.211) in his last 10 contests, adding two homers, seven RBI and four runs scored. The 26-year-old is up to a .235/.296/.415 slash line with 11 homers, 35 RBI, 35 runs scored and four stolen bases through 288 plate appearances. Given his lackluster hitting lately, it wouldn't be surprising to see Varsho receive more regular rest with Arizona's outfield at full health.
Jun 26 2022Varsho went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, a walk and two total runs scored in Sunday's 11-7 win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's 1-for-17 performance over his four previous games saw him drop down to seventh in the order. His homer Sunday was his first since June 10, though he picked up three doubles in 12 contests in the interim. The 25-year-old is up to a .239/.303/.417 slash line with 10 homers, 32 RBI, 34 runs scored and four stolen bases across 67 contests. While he's slipped out of the leadoff role, his ability to play in the outfield or behind the dish should keep him in the lineup on a near-daily basis.
Jun 21 2022Varsho was back in the lineup Monday after being held out of Sunday's game, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. He started in right field, batted leadoff, and went 2-for-4 with a run scored in a 4-1 loss to San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho sustained a left heel injury during Saturday's game, which was the reason he did not play Sunday's series finale against the Twins. The catcher/outfielder has hit safely in 10 of 12 contests, going 13-for-49 with a home run, three doubles, six RBI, a stolen base and five runs scored.
Jun 19 2022Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will head to the bench for the series finale after he saw his seven-game hitting streak come to an end with an 0-for-3, two-strikeout showing in Saturday's 11-1 loss. Jordan Luplow will enter the outfield as a replacement for Varsho, who sits for the first time since June 8.
Jun 14 2022Varsho will shift to right field while Alek Thomas remains in center field, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. Varsho went 1-for-4 and batted fifth in Monday's 5-4 loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started the season in center field, and had served as a catcher, the position he played in the minor leagues, while Carson Kelly (oblique) was on the injured list. It was during Kelly's absence that the Diamondbacks brought up Thomas, who has shown he deserves to stay in the majors. When Kelly was activated over the weekend, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo considered how best to accommodate both Varsho and Thomas. After using Varsho, who exhibited more-than-capable defense in the outfield, as the DH in two weekend games, the manager decided to shift Varsho to right field. This decision affects Pavin Smith and Jake McCarthy, who had been sharing right field.
Jun 13 2022Varsho started as the designated hitter and went 1-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 13-1 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo is still figuring out how to align his lineup after catcher Carson Kelly was activated off the IL on Saturday. While Kelly was out, Varsho could start at catcher while prospect Alek Thomas manned center field, which was Varsho's spot to start the season. Now, with both young hitters in need of consistent at-bats in a crowded outfield, Lovullo placed Varsho at DH and Thomas in center in the two games since Kelly's been back. The DH spot helps, but Lovullo needs to find chances for six outfielders.
Jun 12 2022Varsho will move back to the outfield after the Diamondbacks activated catcher Carson Kelly off the injured list Saturday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho, who opened the season as the starting center fielder, has been filling in at catcher over the last five weeks without Kelly. The injury also created an opportunity to promote outfield prospect Alek Thomas, who has been the primary center fielder since. The challenge now becomes how to fit both Varsho and Thomas in a crowded outfield that also includes David Peralta, Pavin Smith, Jordan Luplow and Jake McCarthy. It worked out Saturday when Varsho served as the designated hitter, but manager Torey Lovullo said Thomas will continue to see regular at-bats and is not sure how the two would fit when both play the outfield. Since Varsho and Thomas are viewed as key pieces for the future, it would appear one of the other four will lose a spot on the roster or have their plate appearances cut back.
Jun 11 2022Varsho went 3-for-4 with a double, a solo homer, three total RBI, two runs scored and a steal in Friday's loss against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was involved in four of the Diamondbacks' five runs, but his productive day was not enough to help the team to a win. His home run was his first since May 24, and he's batting just .172 in June after batting .301 in May. Perhaps this is a sign he is turning things around.
Jun 8 2022Varsho is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since he was behind the plate in Tuesday's 14-8 loss and because the Reds are bringing a lefty (Mike Minor) to the hill Wednesday, Varsho will get a day off. Jose Herrera will handle catcher duties in Varsho's stead.
Jun 7 2022Varsho went 1-for-3 and was caught stealing in Monday's 7-0 rain-shortened loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He led off the game with a single, which ended up being the Diamondbacks' lone hit off Hunter Greene over seven innings. Varsho was immediately caught attempting to steal second base, the third time he's been nabbed in six tries.
Jun 4 2022Varsho isn't starting Saturday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started in the last four games and went 1-for-14 with three runs, an RBI, two walks and four strikeouts. Jose Herrera will start behind the plate and bat ninth.
Jun 1 2022Varsho started at catcher and went 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and three runs in Tuesday's 8-7 extra-inning win over Atlanta. He was also hit by a pitch. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Varsho's first start behind the plate since suffering a shoulder injury while serving as the designated hitter last Friday. Having him catch indicates the shoulder is no longer a hindrance.
May 31 2022Varsho started at designated hitter and went 0-for-3 with a walk in Monday's 6-2 win over Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho returned to the starting lineup after being held out the last two games due to a shoulder injury, although he did pinch hit Sunday. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said the 25-year-old is slated to catch Tuesday, per Jack Sommers of MLB.com.
May 30 2022Varsho (shoulder) is starting Monday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was out of the lineup for two consecutive games due to a shoulder injury, but he entered Sunday's game as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-1. The 25-year-old will serve as the designated hitter and lead off during Monday's series opener.
May 29 2022Varsho (shoulder) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's sore right shoulder will keep him on the bench for the second game in a row after he was initially forced to exit Friday's 6-4 loss on account of the injury. Arizona has thus far opted not to call up another catcher from the minors to serve as Jose Herrera's understudy, suggesting that Varsho is day-to-day and the club is optimistic that he won't require a stint on the 10-day injured list.
May 28 2022Varsho (shoulder) was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Diamondbacks didn't provide a reason for Verso's removal from the lineup, but it seems likely that his absence is related to the right shoulder soreness that forced him to leave Friday's game against the Dodgers. Pavin Smith will enter the lineup as the designated hitter and bat second.
May 27 2022Varsho was removed from Friday's game against the Dodgers with right shoulder soreness, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho went 0-for-1 and was hit by a pitch during Friday's contest before being lifted for a pinch hitter during the fifth inning. The specifics of the injury remain unclear, and the 25-year-old should be considered day-to-day until his status is updated.
May 24 2022Varsho went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double, a walk and an additional run in an 8-6 win over Kansas City on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho led off the home half of the first inning with a 444-foot bomb to center, walked in the fifth and doubled and scored during a five-run sixth. The 25-year-old has compiled a modest eight-game hitting streak as part of a successful May that features a .325/.378/.573 slash line, 13 extra-base hits 15 runs and 11 RBI.
May 21 2022Varsho went 3-for-5 with a double, three RBI and a run in Saturday's 7-6 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho ripped a game-tying RBI single off David Robertson in top of the eighth inning. He later delivered a two-run double in the top of the 10th, coming around to score himself on a throwing error by Andrelton Simmons. The 25-year-old has now secured at least one hit in eight of his last nine games, producing four extra-base hits and six RBI over that stretch. Varsho has been a very productive option at catcher this season, compiling a .262/.329/.432 slash line with seven homers and 20 RBI in 141 at-bats over 39 games.
May 19 2022Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho took Marcus Stroman yard in the fourth inning to record his seventh homer of the season. He's hit well for most of May, collecting three home runs, seven RBI and nine runs scored across 15 games. For the season, Varsho has maintained a .252/.324/.466 line across 148 plate appearances.
May 17 2022Varsho is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started behind the plate in Game 1 and went 1-for-4 with a walk, and it's hardly a surprise he won't be starting both games of the twin bill. Jose Herrera will work at catcher in the nightcap.
May 15 2022Varsho served as the designated hitter and went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho plated a run in the ninth inning, giving Arizona hopes of a comeback that never came. The athletic catcher/outfielder has turned his season around since the end of April. Varsho is batting .341 (15-for-44) with nine extra-base hits, six RBI and seven runs scored over a 12-game stretch. Since he's taken over as the primary catcher while Carson Kelly (oblique) is sidelined, Varsho has been getting days off, but his bat is so important that "days off" from catching could become games in which he serves as the DH.
May 10 2022Varsho is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will take a seat after he started in seven of the Diamondbacks' last eight games. He's seen most of his action in the outfield this season, but Varsho appears poised to serve as the Diamondbacks' No. 1 catcher for the foreseeable future after Carson Kelly (oblique) was placed on the injured list Sunday. Jose Herrera will get a turn behind the plate in place of Varsho on Tuesday, however.
May 9 2022Varsho went 2-for-4 with a run, an RBI and a stolen base Monday in a 4-3 victory against Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho scored the Diamondbacks' first run of the contest in the first inning and knocked in another with a single in the second. He started at catcher for just the fourth time this season after manning center field for most of the campaign. Varsho will likely continue to log time behind the plate while Carson Kelly (oblique) is on the injured list. From a fantasy perspective, it's important that Varsho maintain eligibility as a catcher, as it gives him a substantial amount of added value, especially considering his ability to contribute in the stolen-base department. He has collected three thefts on the campaign, tied with J.T. Realmuto for most among catcher-eligible players.
May 8 2022Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started the past six contests and had a hit in each of those games, going 8-for-23 with two home runs, three doubles, three RBI and five runs. Prospect Alek Thomas was promoted from Triple-A Reno on Sunday and will start in center field, and it's likely to be his everyday position going forward. Varsho has made 22 of his 25 starts this season in center, but he should now see more time behind the plate with Carson Kelly (oblique) landing on the 10-day injured list. Varsho has a .245/.330/.479 slash line with six home runs, 13 RBI and 14 runs, so he should have a regular place in the lineup regardless of where he plays defensively.
May 6 2022Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 4-1 win against Colorado on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was unsuccessful in his first three at-bats but smacked a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning off Colorado reliever Carlos Estevez. The 25-year-old has now homered in consecutive games and owns a modest seven-game hitting streak, going 10-for-29 with three walks in the stretch.
May 5 2022Varsho went 2-for-4 with a walk, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's 8-7 win over Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Diamondbacks fought back twice from deficits to pull out a game in which starter Madison Bumgarner was ejected following the first inning. Varsho's two-run jack was part of the first comeback and completed a five-run fourth inning. It was his fifth home run and extended his hitting streak to four games. Arizona's leadoff batter spent the first two weeks of the season below .200, but Varsho's picked up the pace since, going 14-for-47 (.298) with six extra-base hits, seven RBI and nine runs scored over 13 games.
May 2 2022Varsho went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored and a walk in Monday's 5-4 win over Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho knocked a leadoff double in the first inning and scored on David Peralta's home run. He then walked and scored in the fifth before capping off his day with a seventh-inning double. Varsho is 5-for-12 with four doubles over his last four games, improving his slash line to .231/.326/.436 through 92 plate appearances.
Apr 30 2022Varsho isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started in the last eight games and hit .250 with a homer, a double, five runs, five RBI and a stolen base. Jordan Luplow will take over in center field and bat second.
Apr 24 2022Varsho went 2-for-5 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After an 0-for-11 start to the season, Varsho has picked up the pace significantly, collecting hits in nine of his last 10 starts while slashing .278/.333/.611 with four homers, two steals, six runs and eight RBI. The 25-year-old has spent most of his time in center field, but those in dynasty formats hoping Varsho can retain catcher eligibility in 2023 will be encouraged by his two games played behind the plate so far.
Apr 22 2022Varsho went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in a 6-5 loss to the Mets on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho plated Arizona's second run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning and tied the game with a solo blast to right off New York reliever Edwin Diaz in the ninth. Varsho's respectable .190/.308/.476 slash line keeps him on the radar as a catcher, but it needs to be noted that all four of his extra-base hits have left the yard.
Apr 21 2022Varsho will be on the bench Thursday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was a popular pick during draft season based on the theory that he'd play nearly every day in the outfield while swinging a competent bat, a combination that would make him quite interesting given his catcher eligibility. He has indeed had that near everyday role, as Thursday represents just his second time out of the lineup, but his results at the plate have been mixed. He's not hitting the ball often, striking out 29.8 percent of the time while hitting .184, but he's hitting it very hard, homering three times while recording a 20.0 percent barrel rate. He'll rest here after going 2-for-11 with a pair of homers in his last three games, with Jake McCarthy starting in center.
Apr 20 2022Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 6-1 loss to the Nationals during the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old got the start in center field and hit leadoff in both games, but he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the nightcap. So far this season, Varsho has not been able to take advantage of his prime spot in the batting order -- through 11 games, he's slashing a woeful .171/.310/.343 with three runs scored, two solo homers but no other RBI, and one stolen base with a 33.3 percent strikeout rate.
Apr 15 2022Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo homer and a pair of strikeouts in Friday's loss to the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho hit a sixth-inning solo shot off Chris Bassitt, though that merely shrank the deficit to four runs. The homer was the first of the season for Varsho, who's still hitting just .150/.320/.300 on the season while striking out 32.0 percent of the time. He's at least getting regular playing time, sitting just once in the first seven games.
Apr 13 2022Varsho isn't starting Wednesday's game against Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho reached base in four of the first five games of the regular season, going 1-for-14 with five walks and five strikeouts. He'll get a breather while Jake McCarthy starts in center field and bats seventh.
Apr 7 2022Varsho will start in center field and bat leadoff in Thursday's season opener against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Josh Rojas finished the 2021 season as the Diamondbacks' primary table setter, but those duties will fall to Varsho to begin 2022 while Rojas is on the injured list with a strained oblique. Varsho may need to improve upon last year's .318 on-base average to stick atop the lineup once Rojas is healthy again, but while he's locked into a key spot in the batting order, he should be a strong source of both runs and stolen bases. He'll provide that production while maintaining eligibility at catcher in most fantasy leagues, even though he's expected to play that position sparingly while Carson Kelly and Jose Herrera are on hand as options behind the dish.
Apr 2 2022Varsho batted leadoff and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's spring training game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho bopped his third Cactus League homer in the third inning off Chicago starter Kyle Hendricks. It was the first of four long balls launched by the Diamondbacks off Hendricks. This marked the seventh time in nine spring starts that Varsho batted leadoff, with most of those coming against righties. The catcher/outfielder is 5-for-26 with three homers, four RBI and five runs scored over 26 at-bats.
Mar 26 2022Varsho started in center field, batted leadoff and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's spring training game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho launched his second Cactus League home run in the fifth inning and is 3-for-11 over four spring games. He's expected to be the starter in center field, although it's uncertain whether he'll be Arizona's leadoff hitter.
Mar 21 2022Varsho went 1-for-3 with a walk, a home run and second run scored in Sunday's spring-training game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started at catcher and batted leadoff in his Cactus League debut. While he served behind the plate Sunday, Varsho is expected to be the everyday center fielder for the Diamondbacks while Carson Kelly is the primary handler of the pitching staff. At some point this season, prospect outfielder Alex Thomas should make his way to the big leagues, which could present a challenge to find playing time for both.
Mar 12 2022Varsho is viewed as the starting center fielder entering spring training, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho, a catcher by trade, worked on adding center field to his defensive portfolio since 2019. He established himself as a credible hitter in 2021, his second season in the majors, when he logged a second-half line of .290/.349/.530. There will be times when he catches, so the Diamondbacks will need to find a backup. That could be defensive specialist Jake McCarthy or Jordan Luplow (ankle), who was acquired from the Rays during the offseason.
Sep 23 2021Varsho isn't starting Thursday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's six-game hitting streak came to an end Wednesday when he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, and he'll get a breather in Thursday's series finale. Pavin Smith will shift to right field while Christian Walker starts at first base.
Sep 19 2021Varsho went 2-for-5 with a double, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Saturday's 6-4 extra-inning win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started at catcher and delivered a solid all-around game for Arizona. He guided six pitchers through 10 innings and delivered the game-winning hit, a two-run homer in the 10th inning. Varsho has received consistent playing time since the All-Star break, and the catcher/outfielder is batting .297/.362/.593 with 10 home runs, 11 doubles, one triple, 25 RBI and 25 runs over 46 games.
Sep 16 2021Varsho started in right field and went 1-for-4 in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a common practice of manager Torey Lovullo to construct lineups that minimize Varsho's exposure to southpaws, but the manager had him starting Wednesday against Los Angeles lefty Jose Urias. The catcher/outfielder deserves more chances like this due to his .840 OPS against left-handers over 69 plate appearances this season. If the Diamondbacks believe in Varsho -- and it appears they do -- then they should increase his plate appearances against lefties with an eye toward a regular starting gig next season. With Carson Kelly blocking him behind the plate, the outfield could be Varsho's primary home in 2022.
Sep 13 2021Varsho is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With a tough southpaw (Clayton Kershaw) on the hill for the Dodgers, the lefty-hitting Varsho will bow out of the starting nine. Carson Kelly will handle catching duties for the Diamondbacks, while Henry Ramos, Ketel Marte and Jake McCarthy compose the Arizona outfield.
Sep 12 2021Varsho went 3-for-4 with a double, a two-run home run, two additional RBI and a strikeout in a 7-3 win over Seattle on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho took Seattle starter Chris Flexen deep in the fourth inning, brought home two more with a sixth-inning double and singled in the ninth to record just his second game with more than two hits in 76 games this season. Following a slow stretch, the versatile 25-year-old is now 5-for-8 with three doubles and a home run over his last two games.
Sep 8 2021Varsho went 1-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho stole his fifth base of the season and came around to score Arizona's lone run on a sacrifice fly by Josh Rojas. The catcher was an active runner in the minors, having stolen 40 bases over 188 games in 2018 and 2019, but his production in that category has been tempered during his time in the majors (eight thefts, 111 games).
Aug 29 2021Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After starting in seven of the Diamondbacks' last eight games while hitting .267 with three home runs, six RBI and five runs, Varsho will receive some routine maintenance. Carson Kelly will draw the start behind the plate in the series finale, while the Diamondbacks roll out an outfield of Josh Rojas, Ketel Marte and Jake McCarthy.
Aug 27 2021Varsho entered Thursday's game during the sixth inning after Ketel Marte was removed due to a hip injury. He went 1-for-3 with a run scored in an 8-7 win over Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho also muffed a fly ball, which contributed to the Phillies' five-run ninth inning. Marte is considered day-to-day, but it will be key to see how the hip responds Friday. If he misses significant time, it will provide a path to consistent at-bats for Varsho, who is blocked at catcher by Carson Kelly.
Aug 26 2021Varsho is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After supplying home runs in three consecutive games, Varsho proceeded to go 0-for-8 in the final two contests of Arizona's series in Pittsburgh that concluded Wednesday. The 25-year-old isn't yet locked into a full-time role at any position, but the Diamondbacks' willingness to use him between catcher and the three outfield spots should make him a near-everyday player for the rest of the season.
Aug 24 2021Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He got Arizona on the board by taking Wil Crowe deep in the second inning. Varsho has now homered in three straight games, giving him nine long balls on the season through 63 games, and he's slashing an impressive .318/.400/.705 in August.
Aug 23 2021Varsho went 3-for-4 with a three-run home run, a double, a triple, an additional RBI, an additional run scored and a walk in Sunday's win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Surprisingly, Varsho came up short to complete the cycle since he didn't hit a single, as all three of his hits were extra-base knocks. The backstop, who has been playing in the outfield of late as well, racked up five hits across eight at-bats in the weekend series against the Rockies and has also homered in back-to-back contests for the second time in 2021. He's slashing an impressive .325/.413/.675 with three homers, eight RBI and six runs scored across 46 plate appearances this month.
Aug 22 2021Varsho started in left field and went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho led off the fifth inning with his seventh homer of the season to give Arizona a lead before its bullpen faltered in the final two frames. He made his fifth start of the season in left field, as the Diamondbacks look for ways to get younger talent in the lineup. Manager Torey Lovullo has replaced the 34-year-old David Peralta in left field with Varsho or Josh Rojas in three of the last four games. Varsho has hit well since the break, batting .319 (23-for-72) with six home runs, five doubles, 13 RBI and 15 runs scored over 26 contests.
Aug 18 2021Varsho isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has gone 5-for-9 with a home run, two doubles, two RBI, two runs and a stolen base across his last four appearances, but he'll be on the bench for the second time in the last three games. Pavin Smith will shift to right field while Christian Walker starts at first base.
Aug 15 2021Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since Carson Kelly returned from the injured list in late July, Varsho has split time between the outfield and catcher, typically picking up a handful of starts per week. Though he turned in back-to-back big games Friday and Saturday -- Varsho went a combined 4-for-6 with a home run, a double, a stolen base, two walks, two RBI and one run -- he'll take a seat for the series finale. Kelly starts behind the dish, while manager Torey Lovullo rolls out an outfield of David Peralta, Ketel Marte and Pavin Smith from left to right.
Aug 14 2021Varsho went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, an additional RBI, a walk and a stolen base Friday in a 3-2 win over Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was the offensive star of the tightly-contested game between division foes. He singled in the game's first run in the second inning and followed with a steal of second base. San Diego eventually tied the score in the seventh frame, but Varsho sent everyone home with a 413-foot walkoff homer to right field off Craig Stammen in the ninth. The big game was much needed for Varsho, who had gone 5-for-27 with only one extra-base hit and one RBI over his previous 10 contests.
Aug 8 2021Varsho is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Diamondbacks recently welcoming back all of Carson Kelly, Ketel Marte and Pavin Smith from the injured list, Varsho looks set to move into more of a part-time utility role rather than serving as an everyday player at any one position. Since churning out four two-hit games in a row while leaving the yard three times over that span between July 20 and 24, Varsho is slashing .188/.297/.313 with one home run, one RBI, four runs and no stolen bases.
Aug 1 2021Varsho started in center field and went 1-for-3 in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's not surprising to see Varsho in center field, as the catching prospect added outfield to his defensive resumé the last two seasons, but it is odd when the team activated its reigning starter in center, Ketel Marte, off the injured list prior to the game. At some point, Marte will enter the starting lineup, which means manager Torey Lovullo will have to find a new home -- possibly right field -- for Varsho when he's not catching. The 25-year-old prospect is expected to play regularly through the end of the season.
Jul 31 2021Varsho started in center field and went 1-for-4 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Friday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho moved out to center field, as catcher Carson Kelly was reinstated off the 10-day injury list Friday. While Varsho may have been needed in center field due to Pavin Smith landing on the COVID injury list, he was expected to see time in the outfield whenever Kelly returned. Going forward, Varsho and a reinstated Smith should get starts ahead of struggling veterans like Kole Calhoun, David Peralta and Christian Walker.
Jul 29 2021Varsho went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho made a winner out of starter Madison Bumgarner in the top of the eighth when he launched his fifth home run of the season and fourth in the last six games. The catcher/outfielder is enjoying the best stretch of hitting since he made his way to the majors in 2020. Over the last seven games, Varsho is 10-for-23 with six extra-base hits, nine RBI and 10 runs scored.
Jul 26 2021Varsho started in center field, batted leadoff, and went 1-for-4 with a walk in Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's third-inning single extended his hitting streak to five games, which includes a run of three consecutive with a home run. He moved out from behind the plate in what could be a preview of his role when Carson Kelly (wrist) comes off the injured list. Kelly kicked off a rehab assignment over the weekend and could return at some point this week. That means manager Torey Lovullo would have to find other spots to keep Varsho's bat in the lineup. Since the catcher added outfield to his resume over the past two seasons, Varsho will likely play there when not behind the dish. He can play center field -- until Ketel Marte (hamstring) returns -- or right field.
Jul 24 2021Varsho went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored Saturday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho delivered a two-run home run in the fifth inning and has now homered in three consecutive starts. After managing only three extra-base hits and no homers across his first 80 at-bats of the campaign, Varsho has five extra-base hits in his last 21 at-bats. Overall, he now has four home runs while hitting .200/.306/.362 with 16 runs scored and 15 RBI across 121 plate appearances.
Jul 23 2021Varsho went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBI and a strikeout in Friday's 8-3 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has been on a tear recently with multi-hit performances in each of his last three games, and he plated all three of Arizona's runs in Friday's blowout loss. Across his last three appearances, the 25-year-old has gone 6-for-11 with two home runs, two doubles, five runs and five RBI.
Jul 21 2021Varsho went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two total runs scored in Wednesday's 6-4 win over Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho provided some insurance by going back-to-back with Pavin Smith off Pittsburgh reliever Duane Underwood in the seventh inning. The homer was just the second of the season in 113 plate appearances for Varsho, although both of his long balls have come in his last six games. He's now slashing a poor .175/.292/.278 with nine RBI, 13 runs scored and three stolen bases.
Jul 19 2021Varsho is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho is getting some maintenance after he caught both of the past two days for Arizona while going 1-for-5 with three walks and two stolen bases between the contests. Veteran backstop Bryan Holaday will catch Caleb Smith in Monday's series opener.
Jul 17 2021Varsho went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has successfully recorded a steal on both of his attempts this season. The backup catcher/outfielder has a meager .148/.257/.216 slash line with one home run, seven RBI and nine runs scored through 101 plate appearances.
Jul 16 2021Varsho isn't starting Friday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will retreat to the bench for the third time in the last five games. Bryan Holaday will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
Jul 11 2021Varsho went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run as the Diamondbacks fell 7-4 to the Dodgers on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho extended Arizona's lead to 4-1 in the seventh with a two-run homer off Los Angeles reliever Scott Alexander but failed to do anything productive otherwise. The homer was the versatile rookie's first of the season and he enters the All-Star break with a dismal .143/.250/.214 slash line in 35 games but should receive ample opportunity to showcase his potential.
Jul 8 2021Varsho isn't in the lineup Thursday against Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will retreat to the bench for the fourth time in the last seven games after he went 1-for-6 with an RBI and two walks across his last two appearances. Bryan Holaday will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
Jul 7 2021Varsho started in center field and went 0-for-3 with a walk in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho had been part of the tandem along with Stephen Vogt filling in for the injured Carson Kelly (wrist) at catcher but moved to the outfield Tuesday. The Diamondbacks selected the contract of catcher Bryan Holaday over the weekend, giving the team three capable catchers, which makes it possible to give Varsho more hitting opportunities as an outfielder. Varsho, who has expanded his resume to include outfield in recent years, is batting .141 (10-for-71) over 30 games in 2021.
Jul 6 2021Varsho is starting in center field and batting eighth Tuesday against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has seen substantial time behind the dish with Carson Kelly (wrist) on the injured list. He'll move to center field Tuesday to fill in for the injured Ketel Marte (hamstring) as Stephen Vogt catches Merrill Kelly.
Jun 29 2021Varsho went 0-for-2 with two walks in Monday's 7-1 loss to St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since Carson Kelly (wrist) landed on the injured list, Varsho has started five of eight games while Stephen Vogt started the other three. Varsho is batting .118 (2-for-17) as a fill-in starter, but the Diamondbacks' season is more about developing young talent than results. Accordingly, Varsho may get the bulk of the starts until Kelly returns, which is expected after the All-Star break.
Jun 21 2021Varsho started at catcher and went 0-for-4 in Sunday's 9-8 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was called up Sunday as the corresponding roster move after the Diamondbacks placed Carson Kelly (wrist) on the injured list. He moved to center field later in the game. Kelly suffered a fractured right wrist and will likely be out through the All-Star break. That opens up an opportunity for Varsho to seize consistent at-bats. He's hit well in the minors but owns a .586 OPS in 146 career MLB at-bats. With Arizona currently in a 17-game losing streak and going nowhere, it may behoove the organization to let Varsho establish himself as the primary catcher.
Jun 20 2021The Diamondbacks recalled Varsho from Triple-A Reno prior to Sunday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Arizona placed top catcher Carson Kelly (wrist) on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move, but Varsho could be in line to serve as the Diamondbacks' No. 2 backstop behind Stephen Vogt while he's up with the big club. The 24-year-old is still considered a work in progress defensively at catcher, so Arizona may prefer to have him operate as more of a utility player who can fill in behind the plate on the occasions Vogt requires rest. Varsho has yet to find much success as a hitter at the big-league level, contributing a .183/.270/.331 slash line across 159 career plate appearances.
May 24 2021Varsho was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho had started in just three of the last eight games, and he'll now return to the minors after Carson Kelly (toe) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. During Varsho's stint on the major-league roster, he hit .171 with three doubles, six runs and two RBI in 24 games.
May 6 2021Varsho will initially be used in the outfield, as the Diamondbacks want him to focus on one position for now, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho came up through the ranks as a catcher and added outfield to his resume the last couple of seasons as a path to playing time in the majors. During Tuesday's game, the athletic Varsho pinch ran for the slower-footed Carson Kelly, then stayed in the game in center field while Stephen Vogt took over behind the plate. "He can catch," manager Torey Lovullo said. "He will catch, when there's a need, but I told him while he's up here, still getting familiar with the big-league environment, let's just focus on a couple of things in the outfield and not necessarily worry about jumping into a full time or a part-time catching role." Since being called up, Varsho has appeared in all seven of Arizona's games, making one start in right field and otherwise serving as a pinch hitter or runner off the bench.
May 3 2021Varsho started in right field and went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 8-4 win over Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was part of a three-batter, extra-base-hit uprising that produced four runs and sealed the win for the Diamondbacks. After Stephen Vogt tripled in two runs, Josh Rojas and Varsho followed with RBI doubles. This was Varsho's first start since being called up, but he has appeared in every game. With Kole Calhoun (hamstring) on the injured list and estimated to be out for six-to-eight weeks, there's room for Varsho in right field, although Rojas started there the first four games without Calhoun. Varsho can also play center field, where the Diamondbacks are operating without Ketel Marte (hamstring) and Tim Locastro (finger), the latter of which is expected back on the road trip that begins Tuesday.
May 2 2021Varsho went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored in Saturday's 14-6 loss to the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho entered midgame and played three innings in center field. Since being called up last Wednesday, Varsho has appeared in all four games as midgame substitution or pinch hitter, going 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored.
Apr 28 2021Varsho was recalled by the Diamondbacks prior to Wednesday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho could be ticketed for some starts in the outfield with Kole Calhoun (hamstring strain) landing on the injured list in a corresponding move.
Mar 24 2021Varsho was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho had a lengthy hitless streak during spring training and hit just .136 with one home run, four runs and 13 strikeouts through 17 Cactus League games. Even though Kole Calhoun (knee) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Varsho was unable to secure a job as a depth option for the Diamondbacks. The 24-year-old appeared in 37 major-league games last year and could return to the big leagues in 2021 if he's productive with Triple-A Reno.
Mar 22 2021Varsho started in right field and went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Sunday's spring game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho snapped a hitless streak of 22 at-bats and is hitting just .143 in Cactus League play. The start in right field was his third, as the Diamondbacks evaluate candidates to potentially fill in for Kole Calhoun (knee) who could miss first two weeks of the season. On that front, Varsho misjudged a fly ball that turned into a triple, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Mar 18 2021Varsho started in right field and went 0-for-3 in Wednesday's spring game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho started in right field for the second time in his last four Cactus League appearances as the Diamondbacks audition outfielders to replace Kole Calhoun (knee), who will miss the start of the regular season. Varsho is being considered along with Trayce Thompson and Pavin Smith. Thompson is the most experienced in the outfield among the three, but he's a non-roster invitee, while Varsho is a catcher by trade (though he's gotten some experience in center) and Smith is a first baseman.
Mar 5 2021Varsho played center field and went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Thursday's spring game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho made his first spring appearance in the outfield. If he's to make the Opening Day roster, Varsho will need to have position versatility, as Carson Kelly and Stephen Vogt will be the top backstops. The Diamondbacks began exposing the 24-year-old prospect to the outfield in 2019, and he played 19 games between left and center field last season. He's yet to appear in right field, where Arizona has a need after Kole Calhoun underwent knee surgery which could force him to miss time early in the regular season.
Sep 27 2020Varsho batted leadoff and went 2-for-4 with a double in Saturday's 10-3 loss to the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho extended his hitting streak to four games with multiple hits in the last two. The prospect looked overmatched early on, but Varsho has a respectable .851 OPS over his last 61 at-bats. Like many players in MLB this season, Varsho bypassed Triple-A on the way to his major-league debut. It's unclear if the Diamondbacks feel he can open 2021 in the majors, but he does not appear to have an everyday position waiting for him. Carson Kelly blocks him at catcher, his natural position, and it is questionable whether the organization will trust Varsho as an everyday center fielder after he received exposure to that position only sporadically over the last two seasons.
Sep 25 2020Varsho isn't in the lineup for the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho reached base three times during Friday's matinee, and he'll take a seat for the second game. Tim Locastro will start in center field.
Sep 18 2020Varsho batted leadoff and went 0-for-4 with a walk and a caught stealing in Thursday's 7-3 loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho's been a lineup regular since the start of September, but he's primarily batted in the lower third of the batting order. He got the leadoff job Thursday when the Diamondbacks rested Josh Rojas, who recently has become the leadoff hitter against right-handers. Varsho is batting .146 (7-for-48) with a .253 on-base percentage for the month of September.
Sep 15 2020Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's victory versus the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho made his only hit in the contest count, slugging a 426-foot shot to right field in the second inning. The versatile rookie is hitting only .152 on the campaign, but he has flashed his potential as a power-speed threat with three homers and three stolen bases across 74 plate appearances.
Sep 14 2020Varsho started at catcher and went 0-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases in Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a second-inning walk, Varsho promptly stole second base then third base as part of a double-steal with fellow prospect Pavin Smith. Once again, the Diamondbacks' lineup had a healthy contingent of young players trying to put themselves on the radar for 2021. Varsho's hitting just .145 over 26 games with two home runs, five RBI and three steals.
Sep 12 2020Varsho isn't starting Saturday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will play a bench role for the second consecutive game after going 2-for-13 with a home run and two RBI over his last four appearances. Eduardo Escobar will rest his legs as the designated hitter Saturday with Wyatt Mathisen starting at third base.
Sep 11 2020Varsho is not in the lineup Friday against Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho sits after starting four straight games at three different positions (catcher, left field and center field). He's accomplished very little in his 25-game big-league debut, hitting just .153/.242/.322.
Sep 6 2020Varsho is not in Sunday's lineup against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has become a regular in the Arizona lineup and has collected three hits -- including a home run and three RBI -- across his last eight at-bats. However, he'll retreat to the bench Sunday, with Kole Calhoun serving as the designated hitter and batting second in his place.
Sep 3 2020Varsho started in center field and went 0-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho made his third consecutive start and second straight in center field. The Diamondbacks traded Starling Marte to the Marlins, so they'll use Varsho in center field, where he can get developmental plate appearances during the month of September. He has four hits in 33 at-bats (.121) with two doubles.
Sep 2 2020Varsho started in center field and went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was the first game after Arizona traded center fielder Starling Marte, although it's uncertain if the rookie will be the primary starter there. He's a catching prospect first and could play there. Tim Locastro, who started in left field in place of a resting David Peralta, is also in the mix for at-bats in center. Second baseman Ketel Marte, who was the primary center fielder in 2019, may also see time. Varsho has one hit in the last 15 at-bats, but the Diamondbacks, losers in 11 of the last 12 games, aren't about competing for the postseason in 2020. Giving plate appearances to a player like Varsho is how they will operate over September.
Aug 29 2020Varsho isn't starting Saturday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will take a seat once again with David Peralta resting his legs as the designated hitter. Varsho has been cold at the plate during his time in the majors, and his playing time as the DH has been slipping.
Aug 27 2020Varsho isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has seen limited playing time for the Diamondbacks recently, and he'll take a seat once again Thursday. Andy Young will serve as the designated hitter in his place.
Aug 24 2020Varsho started at designated hitter and went 0-for-2 in Sunday's 6-1 loss to the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho was given a four-game break from the starting lineup before returning Sunday. While others in the Diamondbacks' batting order have slumped in the past week, Varsho has been in a swoon since he was called up, batting just .136 (3-for-22). However, his results in the minor leagues have been far more promising: Across 108 games in Double-A last year, he hit .301/.378/.520 with 18 homers and 21 steals. Since Varsho never played in Triple-A before jumping to the majors this season, it's not surprising that it's taking him some time to get up to speed.
Aug 22 2020Varsho isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will remain situated on the bench for a fourth consecutive game after a slow start to his major-league career. Kevin Cron will serve as the designated hitter Saturday.
Aug 21 2020Varsho isn't starting Friday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho will take a seat for the third consecutive game after going 3-for-20 to begin his major-league career. Christian Walker will serve as the designated hitter for the series opener against the Giants.
Aug 20 2020Varsho is not starting Thursday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho has appeared in 10 games this season and is 3-for-20 with two doubles and seven strikeouts. Kevin Cron is starting at DH in Thursday's series finale.
Aug 15 2020Varsho started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Friday's 5-1 win over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: One offshoot of Jake Lamb's slow start (2-for-29) is that the DH spot is a rotation of regulars that get a break from playing defense. That was the case Friday when left fielder David Peralta was given an off day from the field, so Varsho made his third start of the season (second in LF). The prospect is 2-for-13 with a double, a walk and two runs scored over seven games.
Aug 5 2020Varsho started in left field and went 0-for-4 in Monday's 8-2 loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho made his first start since being called up and first start of his MLB career. The catching prospect added outfield to his resume over the last two seasons, which gives him a greater opportunity for at-bats in the majors. Thus far, he's hitless in five at-bats.
Jul 30 2020Varsho recorded a walk during his only at-bat Thursday against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Diamondbacks trailing by three, Varsho came into the ninth inning to pinch hit for Jake Lamb. The 24-year-old rookie displayed his discipline in drawing a two-out walk off Pedro Baez. He then advanced to second due to defensive indifference, nearly grabbing his first career stolen base. Varsho, who was making his MLB debut after getting called up ahead of Thursday's game, spent the 2019 campaign at Double-A, hitting .301/.378/.520 with 18 home runs and 21 stolen bases across 108 games. He is expected to fill in at catcher and in the outfield.
Jul 9 2020Varsho played left field in an intra-squad game Wednesday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Varsho handled the chances that came his way, including going back on a hard line drive. Manager Torey Lovullo said there's a chance Varsho, a catcher by trade, plays some innings in center field as well. He's expected to make his major league debut in 2020.
Jul 8 2020The unique circumstances of playing baseball in a pandemic might accelerate Varsho's arrival to the majors, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Diamondbacks, who have been known to carry three catchers in the past, may be tempted to have Varsho on the roster in a utility role this season, as he is also capable of playing left or center field. Carson Kelly and Stephen Vogt are locks to break camp, and Arizona already has a talented outfield corps, so Varsho would likely need injuries ahead of him or a hot run at the plate to garner more than a bench role. Buchanan speculates that Varsho would benefit more from a limited role in the majors than whatever he'd be doing with the satellite roster, so he expects the Diamondbacks to find a use for him this season.
Jun 18 2018Varsho was diagnosed with a fractured hamate, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic Arizona reports.Varsho, one of the team's top prospects, was hitting .290/.377/.467 before suffering the injury. The Diamondbacks are still determining if surgery is necessary, leaving his timetable for a return murky. Consider him out indefinitely for the time being.