Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Praises Miguel Vargas, Reveals His Plans For 2024 Season

When Miguel Vargas arrived at Spring Training this year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he knew that he was going to be taking reps in the outfield.

This time last year, he was thrown into the fire at second base, and manager Dave Roberts has seen a difference in Vargas for the better.

“Vargy’s looked much better than he did last year. Last year was kind of just jumping in with both feet. This year in the offseason, he had a chance to prepare for it. Physically, he looks great. Very linear athlete, but his jumps on the ball have been great. And his effort, the work that he’s put in, it’s showing.”

Dave Roberts via Dodgers Nation

Vargas was handed the starting job at second base entering last season and when he got to the big leagues, his bat went cold. He struggled to hit .195 compared to his successful .310 in Triple-A. The Dodgers sent him down before the All-Star Break and he wasn’t recalled.

This year is off to a much better start. Roberts says “his swing right now, mechanically, is in a lot better spot. He looks really good.”

The only obstacle in front of Vargas is there is nowhere for him to play and Roberts doesn’t have an exact answer on what position he will get the most playing time or even if he will start the season in the big leagues.

“I don’t have the crystal ball, but I know that I expect him to be with us at some point. I don’t know when. I don’t know if that means breaking with us but I hope that’s his goal. Just sort of control what you can control. But we still value the player, the bat, and just continuing to improve in left field is important.”

Dave Roberts via Dodgers Nation

The Dodgers open Cactus League play on Thursday against the San Diego Padres at the Peoria Sports Complex.

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