Dodgers News: Could Miguel Vargas Make a Late-Season Impact For LA?
Being a rookie in any sport is a daunting task for any young athlete, but especially in baseball where the game is defined by much more failures than successes by nature.
Such has been the case for Dodgers rookie Miguel Vargas who struggled in his time with the big league club and has since been sent back down to Triple-A for a mental reset.
The move has worked wonders for the young infielder and one writer predicts that he could not only be called back up the major league roster, but make a major impact as the calendar turns from summer to fall.
The 23-year-old broke camp as the team’s starting second baseman, and he hit .195/.305/.367 for an 81 OPS+ with 26 extra-base hits in 304 plate appearances before he was optioned to Triple-A at the All-Star break. He is hitting .295/.406/.474 with 16 extra-base hits in 39 games back at Triple-A Oklahoma City, and he has five multi-hit performances in his last eight games with a .400/.500/.567 line in 38 trips to the plate during that span. The MLB-ready trio of Ryan Pepiot, Emmet Sheehan and Gavin Stone is also waiting in the wings at Triple-A, and one of them will almost certainly be promoted to bolster the pitching staff.
via Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report
Sometimes all a young ball player needs is a quick stint back to minor league ball to get their routine back and it seems like that’s been the case for Vargas.
Highly touted for the past few seasons, his first showing in LA hasn’t been the greatest, but tearing up Oklahoma City pitching may prompt a move back up to the majors this season.
Though Mookie Betts has taken over his expected everyday role at second base whenever Amed Rosario or other utility options that are currently on the roster, having Betts back to his normal post would prove valuable rest for both David Peralta and Jason Heyward who have been regulars in recent weeks.
All hands will need to be on deck for the Dodgers in 2023 and Vargas’ inclusion for the final month as the division is all but wrapped up could save the veterans on the roster from overexertion before the real games start in October.
Confidence at the major league level could also be built back up for Vargas making the move back up to the MLB team all the more worth it.
The decision will ultimately be Dave Roberts’ and Andrew Friedman’s but we’re on board with bringing the Mexican international back to the big show.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Betts should permanent at 2b. Let Vargas compete for SS.
He’s Cuban not Mexican. Do your homework!
I agree W.E.B., I like Betts as the second baseman.
He can work with and help Lux at shortstop.
Work Michael Busch into R.F. with Heyward, he could really help Busch learn the position. You can also return Betts to R.F. for defense in the 8th and 9th innings if needed. I would also like to see what Will Smith can do at 3rd base. Then when Dalton Rushing is ready as a major league catcher, play Smith at 3rd and as the backup catcher. Rushing your starting catcher.
Mookie, Rosario, Kiké, Wong…and you see room for Vargas? Maybe next year.