Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani contributed to a former Dodgers teammate whose mother was battling cancer a couple of years ago.
According to an interview done by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, former Dodger Gus Varland, who pitched for Los Angeles back in 2023 and 2024, was supporting his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer.
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Ohtani extended a helping hand and financially supported the family, a kind act toward a former teammate who was going through a tough time.
“We had, a couple of years ago, his [Varland] mom had cancer. Shohei made a very, very big contribution to help get his mom, one of his teammates, treatment,” Roberts said about Ohtani’s assistance.
“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 mom 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 down low.”
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Varland and Ohtani crossed paths in 2024, when the Japanese star joined the Dodgers via free agency, signing a 10-year, $700 million deal. Ohtani is one of the most valuable athletes in the world, a true superstar across Asia.
At the same time, his stateside popularity continues to grow as he makes unprecedented history on the baseball field. He grosses millions in endorsements, giving him plenty of money to spare and help out a teammate going through a tough time.
Cancer treatment can get extremely expensive, and Ohtani’s extreme act of kindness likely went a long way towards helping the Varland family.
Varland pitched 17.2 innings over two seasons, posting a 3.06 ERA in 15 total appearances, allowing six runs and 12 free runners with 17 total strikeouts.
He last pitched in 2024, joining the Chicago White Sox after pitching in seven games for the Dodgers.
He made 19 appearances, allowing a 3.54 ERA. The White Sox released Varland, though he was claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks back in August.
If he can work his way into a major league bullpen once again, Ohtani and Varland could clash in a division battle next season.
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