Dodgers News: Miguel Vargas Learned a Huge Lesson Being Unable to Swing a Bat
Dodgers infielder Miguel Vargas swung the bat in a live game for the first time this spring on Thursday. It was a huge moment for him, one that put a big smile on his face when he spoke about it to Kirsten Watson of SNLA.
He also had quite a nice first at-bat, crushing a ground-rule double to left-center field. However, up until Thursday, every time he came up to bat, he was taking.
Before the Cactus League games began, Vargas suffered a right pinky injury. While that injury didn't affect his fielding, it did stop him from being able to swing.
This year, though, Vargas is learning a new position — second base — and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn't want to waste any time getting him acclimated there. So, he decided to have him in the game to field, and when he came up to the plate, he took every single pitch.
I can't imagine it was easy for Vargas, but it definitely was good for him to see live pitching. Also, he found himself getting on base a pretty good amount of times. He drew four walks while unable to swing. Vargas spoke to Jack Harris of the LA Times, and shared a pretty hilarious lesson he learned from not being able to swing.
"I mean, it told me if I don’t swing at the ball, I’ll probably be at first 50% of the time."
Harris then suggested that when Vargas is allowed to swing again, his on-base percentage might go down.
"Maybe not," Vargas said. "It could go up."
It's hard not to love that attitude from Vargas, and see his sense of humor in this weird situation. And it's safe to say it didn't affect him too much, as he looked great in his first at-bat back to normal.
The Dodgers have high hopes for Vargas this year, so fortunately, this didn't put a hold on any of his development. He still has three more weeks to continue practicing second base, and to keep swinging away before the season starts.
