Title: Dodgers Option Miguel Vargas to Minors After Struggles at Second Base
Introduction
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a bold move by optioning Miguel Vargas to the minors. The decision comes after the 23-year-old second baseman and former top-100 prospect struggled to find his form in the first half of the season. This article explores Vargas’ struggles, the Dodgers’ options moving forward, and the impact of his demotion on the team.
Understanding the Dodgers’ Plan
The Dodgers embarked on a roster overhaul this winter, giving opportunities to young players from their highly-regarded farm system. While the team expected some volatility, they were hopeful that these young players would not only fill the roles but also perform well. Los Angeles has seen some success with this strategy, but patience only goes so far.
Vargas’ Struggles at Second Base
Miguel Vargas was handed the regular second base job before spring training began, with the Dodgers banking on his impressive minor league batting statistics. However, Vargas has failed to live up to expectations, producing a lackluster .672 OPS through 304 plate appearances before the All-Star break. Among rookies with similar plate appearances this season, Vargas ranks last in FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with 0.1.
Factors Contributing to Vargas’ Struggles
Vargas’ difficulties can be attributed to a series of unfortunate events. He suffered a hairline fracture in his right pinky early in spring training and injured his right thumb during the regular season’s first homestand. These injuries forced him to develop “bad habits” at the plate, hindering his ability to drive the ball into the gaps while avoiding high strikeout totals.
The Impact of Age on Performance
Despite his struggles, hitting coach Aaron Bates emphasizes that Vargas is only 23 years old and still developing as a player. The Dodgers recognize the importance of allowing Vargas to regain his confidence and work on his game in a less pressured environment.
Manager Dave Roberts’ Decision
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted at the possibility of sending Vargas down to the minors, stating that it was “on the table.” Roberts believes that Vargas needs to focus on his mental approach to the game and overcome his current struggles. Ultimately, the team’s priority is to field the best lineup possible to win games.
Exploring Alternative Options
The Dodgers have not announced a corresponding move to Vargas’ demotion. However, they are expecting the return of Chris Taylor from a bone bruise in his right knee. Taylor and Yonny Hernández could serve as second base options against left-handed pitching, while Mookie Betts may continue to play in the middle infield against righties.
Another potential option is to send Hernández down as well and provide prospect Michael Busch with a similar opportunity that Vargas received at the beginning of the season. Busch has been performing exceptionally well at Triple-A Oklahoma City, boasting a 1.004 OPS. However, this decision comes with its own set of complications, as Busch’s left-handed hitting may disrupt the Dodgers’ preferred lineup against right-handed pitching.
The Need for a Right-Handed Hitter
Vargas’ struggles and subsequent demotion have highlighted the Dodgers’ need for another right-handed hitter. The team already had this requirement before, but it has now become even more pressing. Finding a suitable replacement for Vargas will be crucial for maintaining a balanced lineup.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made the difficult decision to send Miguel Vargas down to the minors after his struggles at second base. While Vargas has shown promise in the past, injuries and a lack of confidence have hindered his performance this season. The Dodgers now face the challenge of finding the best alternative options to fill the void left by Vargas. Additionally, the team must address their need for a right-handed hitter to maintain a competitive lineup.