Varland threw five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in a relief appearance Wednesday for Triple-A St. Paul. It was his first relief appearance in the minors this season.
Varland was an impact reliever late last season and into the playoffs for the Twins, but was moved back to the rotation this year. The Twins have said they're contemplating moving him to the bullpen for similar usage this season, so this outing could be the first step to using him in the majors as a reliever.