The Los Angeles Dodgers are making a notable decision to close out the first half of the season.
The team announced Sunday that they have optioned 23-year-old infielder Miguel Vargas to the minor leagues. As a result, Vargas will have to spend a minimum of 10 days in the minors (though he could be down there for longer).
Vargas, a top Dodgers prospect, represented the team at the 2022 All-Star Futures Game. But his performance at the MLB level has been below-par this season, as he has hit a woeful .195 over 81 first-half games while posting poor defensive metrics at second base. With Mookie Betts getting regular reps at second these days – opening up playing time for other strong offensive producers, like David Peralta, Jason Heyward and James Outman – Vargas isn’t particularly necessary for the Dodgers right now.
Of course, he still has all the tools to be a fantastic big leaguer some day. Vargas is a talented hitter who can play multiple positions and is still pretty young. But for now, the Dodgers have decided to give him more time to develop in the minor leagues, a smart move considering all the other roster turmoil they have faced this season.
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