It quickly became apparent during the offseason that the Los Angeles Dodgers planned to give Miguel Vargas an everyday role at the Major League level this year.
Vargas made his MLB debut last season but only appeared in 18 games (11 starts) and didn’t seem to have a set position. That changed for 2023 with the Dodgers having Vargas become familiar with playing second base.
There have been some growing pains in the field, but the 23-year-old has provided value with his bat. That of course is what carried Vargas through the Dodgers’ farm system and into one of their top prospects.
He was at the center of their comeback attempt Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, providing a game-tying, RBI ground-rule double in the eighth inning. Following the Dodgers’ walk-off loss, Vargas discussed his approach in coming up with the timely hit, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“I knew it was a huge at-bat for us with the tying runner on third base. So I tried to make a good at-bat. … It was really inside. I was ready for kind of every pitch. Two strikes, trying to cover the zone. Just got a good result.”
When asked about the state of his confidence now compared to earlier this season, Vargas said it has remained high but he is looking to improve consistency:
“I feel pretty good. Pretty much the same. Just try to be more consistent at the plate.”
Vargas got off to a bit of an uneven start this season, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes was related to the hairline fracture in his right pinky that was sustained during Spring Training, and also getting hit by a pitch in the right thumb one week into the season.
Roberts surmised the likelihood of lingering discomfort and the initial swelling played a part in how aggressive Vargas was able to swing.
Vargas never used those as excuses and recently noted a change in batting stance was proving beneficial in finding a better rhythm.
Miguel Vargas bobblehead
FOCO recently released new Dodgers bobbleheads of Vargas and fellow rookie James Outman. The limited-edition bobbleheads are part of the latest offerings from FOCO in recognition of notable first-year players.
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