The Los Angeles Dodgers started their All-Star break on Sunday but were still active in terms of roster movement as Miguel Vargas was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Manager Dave Roberts hinted at the possibility last week as Vargas remained mired in a season-long slump at the plate.
“You know, I think everything should be on the table. I really do,” Roberts answered when asked if the Dodgers would give any consideration to sending one of their former top prospects back to the Minors.
“There’s a piece of winning here, and there’s also a piece of getting his mind where it needs to be. Because clearly right now he’s pressing.
“He’s never struggled like this, so if it does come to that, which I do think it’s always healthy to have that conversation with young players who are struggling, it would be for the benefit of him shorter and long-term. Right now, he’s here and he’s going to play [Saturday].”
Vargas is batting just .197/.302/.370 with 15 doubles, four triples, seven home runs and 32 RBI this season. Over the last 30 games, Vargas hit .136/.243/.273.
“I think obviously with where we’re at the last couple months, we all see what type of production it’s been,” Roberts said. “I do believe the defense is getting better, the experience with being at the Major League level, I think is helpful.
“But, it’s also helpful to feel yourself getting some hits and the confidence going. So I do think he’s additive, but at what point do you decide that it could be detrimental? I don’t know the answer right now, but I do think having a conversation in his best interest is healthy.”
Roberts had previously suggested Vargas’ slow start this season was related to the right pinky fracture he sustained in Spring Training and a subsequent hit by pitch in his hand early into the 2023 schedule. However, Roberts more recently ruled those out as being to blame for Vargas’ ongoing struggles.
For his part, the 23-year-old said he had not lost confidence and believed he would soon have better success at the plate.
Who replaces Miguel Vargas on Dodgers roster?
A corresponding move on who replaces Vargas on the Dodgers roster was not announced, but that presumably will be Chris Taylor once they begin the second half on Friday.
Taylor began a rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League Dodgers and has also appeared in one game for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.
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