Injuries to Mookie Betts and Max Muncy have opened the door for Miguel Vargas to receive a larger opportunity with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and so far he’s capitalized.
The 24-year-old was in the lineup on Friday and went 2-for-3 with a home run in the team’s 8-5 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Vargas was back on the bench Saturday but delivered when called upon by hitting a go-ahead home run. “Feels great. I’ve been ready for these type of moments. Feels great to have success in them,” Vargas said after the Dodgers’ 5-3 win.
It was the first time in Vargas’ career he slugged a pinch-hit home run.
“Since I got called up, I’ve been on the bench a lot,” Vargas began. “So I’m always trying to be in the cage, trying to have this type of approach, having at-bats in the cage too. I try to be ready before anything happens.”
Vargas said his only focus during his at-bat in the eighth inning was getting on base. “Today, I was trying to do my job, get on base. The result wasn’t what I was trying to do, but it was good,” he said.
Vargas has been a bright spot for the Dodgers since being recalled last month. Through 18 big league games, he is hitting .349/.408/.651 with four doubles, three home runs and nine RBI.
“Obviously, when you’re doing good, it’s easy to control. But at the end of the day, that’s why my goal is, be consistent with that and be the same every day,” Vargas said.
Dave Roberts impressed with Miguel Vargas
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was impressed with Vargas’ at-bat and had him back in the lineup for the series finale on Sunday. “Very impressive,” Roberts began.
“He was ready, prepared, and even the first swing, the foul ball, he was ready to hit coming off the bench. Took a ball that was really in, and kept it fair, put a good swing on.
“I didn’t know if that had enough steam to get out, but Vargy, like I said, is just gaining confidence, more confidence each day. He’ll be in there tomorrow, and he’s earning more opportunities, and it’s good to see.”
Roberts previously noted that Vargas could begin receiving starts at third base with Muncy still on the mend from a right oblique injury.
