Dodgers News: Miguel Vargas Looking to Put Hitting Issues From Last Season Behind Him

Miguel Vargas has entered spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers looking to move past the struggles of last season.

He is healthy and optimistic despite not having a clear path to a roster spot.

Vargas was given the starting second base job to begin last season. He didn’t last until the All-Star break. After the Dodgers sent Vargas to Triple-A Oklahoma City on July 9, he was never recalled.

“(Being sent down), that was very hard. Every player wants to be in the big leagues. This clubhouse – I missed this clubhouse a lot. It was a pretty tough moment. I don’t think anybody wants to pass through that. After I was in Triple-A, it gave me time to think about everything I was doing.”

— Miguel Vargas via O.C. Register

Vargas also admitted that his swing never recovered after an early-season injury. Now, he’s feeling healthy and ready to go. The biggest question is, where will he play?

The Dodgers asked Vargas to move to left field now that Mookie Betts is their everyday second baseman. Playing time at first, third, and shortstop will be limited with Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Gavin Lux slated to start at those respective positions.

Utility infielder Miguel Rojas is backing up both Lux and Betts. That leaves the outfield, where the Dodgers have Teoscar Hernandez, Manuel Margot and Chris Taylor capable of playing left field.

There is no clear-cut answer as to how Vargas fits into the Dodgers’ plans, but he is willing to find out.

“I don’t know. That’s the answer I have to find out. I want to come in here and be me. I can’t control that (roster decisions). I just have to control what I can. Obviously I want to be part of this team and be what I can be.”

— Miguel Vargas via O.C. Register

Controlling the controllable is the best advice Vargas can adopt right now. He has proven everything there is to prove at the minor-league level. He just has to put it all together in the big leagues — with the Dodgers, or somewhere else.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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