Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Forgot to Tell Miguel Vargas He Made the Opening Day Roster
One of the better stories that came out of camp for the Dodgers this spring was the play of rookie infielder Miguel Vargas. The 23-year-old has looked impressive all spring, even when he wasn't allowed to swing the bat.
Vargas spent the first handful of Cactus League games unable to swing the bat, as he suffered an injury to his right pinky. However, he still played in the games, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wanted him to work on his defense, as he was making a switch to second base.
Vargas played stellar defense at second base, and even drew some walks while the bat stayed on his shoulder. Then, when he was allowed to swing, he instantly started putting the ball in play, making it clear that he was ready for the big stage.
That's why, when it came to making decisions on the Opening Day roster, Roberts never had a conversation with Vargas. Unlike with other rookies, where Roberts calls them into his office to let them know about their status, Vargas never got that. Instead, Vargas had to ask Roberts about his status ahead of the team's annual Freeway Series right before Opening Day, and Roberts felt bad that he forgot to tell Vargas he made the roster (per J.P. Hoornstra of the Orange County Register).
"I sort of maybe dropped the ball a little bit," Roberts said. "It was assumed he was going to be on the team. I didn’t feel the need to call him in, so he was asking about what his status is going into the Freeway Series. I said, 'you’re going to be starting at second base this year, congratulations.'"
I think just about everyone knew Vargas was playing his way into a starting second baseman role, but you can't blame the rookie for not wanting to assume things. But it's been pretty clear since early in spring training that Vargas was poised to get this job, and his play only made that decision easier. Vargas is going to be the Dodgers everyday second baseman, and he's going to have the opportunity to put together a huge year in his first full season in the majors.
