Dodgers News: Writer Predicts Top Rookie Returns to LA to Boost Playoff Push
It wasn't that long ago that Miguel Vargas was the top hitting prospect in a Los Angeles Dodgers organization full of them.
The talented hitter and developing infielder made his MLB debut to considerable fanfare in August 2022, and a 2-for-4 night against the rival San Francisco Giants only added more fuel to the hype.
Fast forward a few months later, and Vargas was expected to contribute to the big club on a full time basis in 2023. Unfortunately for him and the Dodgers, that didn't come to pass, leading to a trip back down to Triple-A Oklahoma City after he slashed just .195/.305/.367 in 81 games for LA.
The 23-year-old went back to the minors in an attempt to get his consistent swing back, and he has to the tune of a .892 OPS with six home runs and 24 RBI in just 40 games for OKC.
Could that jumpstart have Vargas on one of the next flights back into LAX?
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report believes so as he named Vargas as one of his predicted September call-ups for the Dodgers, making sure to mention his hot run of form lately.
"... 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."
Contrary to past year's MLB rosters will only expand from 26 to 28 on September 1 as opposed to 40, making those two extra spots even more valuable than they were in the past.
If Vargas were called back up, he'd be getting it based on the expectation that he'll hit consistently in his role.
He wouldn't play every day given that the Dodgers acquired Kiké Hernandez and Amed Rosario last month, but he could still get playing time off the bench in a pinch-hitting scenario.
The door is open for Vargas to make his return to LA, and it remains to be seen what the Dodgers' brass does when it comes to those two extra spots.
But the young infielder could be one of them, and if he is, don't expect him to just be sitting idly in the background.
