According to an interview done by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, former Dodger Gus Varland, who pitched for Los Angeles in 2023 and 2024, supported his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer.
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Ohtani extended a helping hand and supported the family financially, an act of kindness toward a former teammate who was going through a difficult time.
“We had his a few years ago [Varland] mother had cancer. Shohei made a very big contribution to helping treat his mother, one of his teammates,” Roberts said of Ohtani’s help.
“That was a big moment. I thought everyone really appreciated that. Ironically, that player we had, his brother, pitched for the Blue Jays in the World Series. I saw the mother during the World Series and I said, how are you doing? She said the cancer is gone. Shohei does a lot of great things, but a lot of what he does is on the back burner.”
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Varland and Ohtani crossed paths in 2024, when the Japanese star joined the Dodgers via free agency and signed a 10-year deal worth $700 million. Ohtani is one of the most valuable athletes in the world, a true superstar across Asia.
At the same time, his popularity continues to grow in the United States as he makes unprecedented history on the baseball field. He makes millions from endorsements, leaving him enough money to help a teammate who is going through a tough time.
Cancer treatment can become extremely expensive, and Ohtani’s extreme act of kindness likely went a long way in helping the Varland family.
Varland pitched 17.2 innings over two seasons and posted a 3.06 ERA in 15 appearances, allowing six runs and 12 walks with 17 total strikeouts.
He last pitched in 2024, joining the Chicago White Sox after pitching seven games for the Dodgers.
He made 19 appearances, allowing a 3.54 ERA. The White Sox released Varland, although he was claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in August.
If he can work his way into a major league bullpen again, Ohtani and Varland could collide in a division battle next season.
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn images
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