Miguel Vargas has not taken one swing during his four Cactus League games for the Los Angeles Dodgers this year, but that may soon change.
Vargas has been unable to swing in games due to a hairline fracture in his right pinky, but he has been progressing and took swings in the batting cage on Wednesday. The 23-year-old started again on Thursday but was still not cleared to hit in games, so he took every pitch he saw once again.
The top prospect will be out of the Dodgers lineup on Friday and won’t hit in any practice sessions, but manager Dave Roberts is hoping Vargas will be fully cleared to go on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals.
“I think Friday is going to be a full off day, and then Saturday he’ll be back playing,” Roberts said. “Hopefully after the off day, he’ll have the green light to swing a bat during the game.”
Despite being unable to swing, Vargas is still sporting a .500 on-base percentage in Spring Training. He has walked four times in eight plate appearances while striking out the other four times.
“He’s walking more than he’s striking out,” Roberts joked on Wednesday after Vargas drew his third walk this spring. “Teams haven’t got the memo yet.”
Miguel Vargas getting comfortable at second base
Vargas has been starting despite the injury so he can gain more experience at second base and build chemistry with Miguel Rojas, his new double play partner that was forced into a starting role once Gavin Lux tore his ACL.
Over four career Minor League seasons, Vargas has played just 28 games at second base and he has not played there in a regular season game with the Dodgers. However, he regularly worked at the position with coaches prior to games last season.
Roberts expects some growing pains from Vargas this Spring, which is why they want him to get as many reps there as possible.
“I think that’s to be expected,” Roberts said.”It’s part of experience. But as long as the intent and the way that he’s preparing is good, there’s going to be some growing pains. That goes without saying.”
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