The Los Angeles Dodgers added Daniel Hudson to their 40-man roster and optioned Miguel Vargas to Minor League camp before their first exhibition game in South Korea. Andre Lipcius was designated for assignment as a corresponding move to put Hudson on the 40-man.
Like the veteran relief pitcher, Vargas previously had been included on the Dodgers’ travel roster. Vargas is going to remain eligible to play Saturday night (Sunday in Seoul) against the Kiwoom Heroes and Monday when they face Team Korea.
What is now ruled out — barring potential injury that would require a change — is Vargas possibly making the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. That doesn’t need to be set until the morning of the Seoul Series beginning March 20.
That’s a drastic change from last season when the Dodgers were grooming Vargas to be their starting second baseman. He dealt with multiple hand injuries, including one in Spring Training, and ultimately was inconsistent at the plate.
It resulted in getting demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City at the All-Star break, and Vargas never rejoined the Dodgers roster after that.
Over 81 games at the Major League level, Vargas batted .195/.305/.367 with 15 doubles, four triples and seven home runs. With OKC, he hit .288/.407/.479 with 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 43 RBI across 60 games.
Miguel Vargas playing left field
Vargas is learning a new position for the second consecutive year as the Dodgers moved him to left field. He has taken to it well thus far and during Spring Training camp received instruction from Andre Ethier in addition to Dodgers coaches.
That could end up being a fruitful position change for Vargas as Teoscar Hernández is only under contract for the 2024 season.
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