Dodgers News: Struggling Rookie Infielder Not Out of LA's Plans Just Yet
Miguel Vargas came into the season with so much hype that it almost seemed unfair.
With the unfortunate injury to Gavin Lux, it looked like the middle infield duo of Miguel squared (Rojas and Vargas) was going to take LA by storm this season.
Unfortunately that wasn't really the case.
Over 81 games this season, Vargas only batted .195 and struck out 61 times. That was enough for the Dodgers to send him down to the minors.
When he first got to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Vargas absolutely raked over his first 15 games. He hit .317 with a 1.005 OPS and drove in 12. It looked like the demotion was a wake up call to the 23-year-old.
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said that the team still has their eyes on Vargas and his progression, but they'll remain cautious with him as the season goes on.
“It feels like the confidence is coming back,” Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said. “He’s swinging the bat well. It’s, ‘OK, let’s continue to see how the swing is holding up.' ...
“We keep tracking how his swing looks against major-league quality stuff,” Gomes said. “The thing is, if we’re being honest, in Triple-A you face major-league quality pitching maybe twice a week. So it’s – how many 88 to 92 (mph) guys has he faced? He’s doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing. … It just takes a little longer because if you have a hot streak here, that’s legit. But an eight-game streak down there? It might be two guys throwing 94, 95. He’s been handing velo better, there’s been stuff like that.”
via OC Register
It would be great if Vargas would be ready to return around the time the Dodgers are making a playoff push, but if he's not, that's fine too.
The Dodgers brought in Kiké Hernandez and Amed Rosario in order to fill the role of right handed infielder at the deadline, so Vargas doesn't necessarily need to rush back.
When do you think we'll see Miguel Vargas back in the Major Leagues?
