The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Miguel Vargas from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Tuesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
Vargas essentially filled the open spot on the Dodgers’ active roster that was created by trading Jake Lamb to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
Vargas additionally took one of vacancies on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, which were made by trading Garrett Cleavinger to the Tampa Bay Rays, sending Lamb to the Mariners and including Mitch White as part of a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
While the Dodgers traded Clayton Beeter to the New York Yankees for Joey Gallo, they otherwise retained top prospects who were coveted by other clubs. Among them is Vargas, who along with Diego Cartaya and Bobby Miller, represented the Dodgers in the 2022 Futures Game at Dodger Stadium.
Vargas’ stock has skyrocketed both within and outside the organization, and there was some thought his MLB debut could be on the horizon as Justin Turner dealt with a chest injury. The Dodgers don’t believe Turner needs to go on the 10-day injured list, but he’s not expected to be in the lineup until Thursday at the earliest.
Vargas was not in the Dodgers lineup for Tuesday’s game, but is available off the bench. He’s primarily played third base, but also spent some time at first base and second base. Vargas expanded his versatility this season to include left field.
“Miggy is going to come fast,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on July 7. “I’m excited to watch him in the Futures Game. He’s a baseball rat, his dad was a great player in Cuba. He’s a smart player, sweet, lovable guy. He’s going to play this game for a long time.”
Vargas ignored Dodgers trade rumors
The All-Star Futures Game was played just after it was reported a Juan Soto trade could come to fruition because of failed contract extension negotiations with the Washington Nationals.
Vargas was immediately speculated as a potential trade chip for the Dodgers, though he didn’t become distracted by the possibility.
“I’m worried about doing my work because that doesn’t go on the field,” Vargas said of trade rumors. “I don’t think Soto rumors can take things out of me. I just want to play baseball.”
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