The Los Angeles Dodgers earned their first win of 2022 Spring Training as they defeated the Cleveland Guardians, 6-2. They entered the matchup at Camelback Ranch with an 0-3-2 record in Cactus League play.
Clayton Kershaw made his second start since being re-signed to a one-year, $17 million contract when camp opened. In the first inning, Kershaw looked sharp and retired the side in order.
The Dodgers then got on the board in the bottom of the first on a Gavin Lux solo home run. Lux finished the day 1-for-2 while adding a walk and playing left field.
Kershaw started to have some trouble in the second inning, allowing two runs on a two-out double, but stayed in the game for the third. He struck out Bradley Zimmer to start the inning before calling it a day at 37 pitches.
Lead it off, @TheRealGavinLux! pic.twitter.com/4l7HMYnNfL
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 23, 2022
Miguel Vargas absolutely crushed this ball. Wow. pic.twitter.com/XZM872VC9o
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 23, 2022
Kershaw Day. pic.twitter.com/BaZZLDAK7n
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 23, 2022
The Dodgers re-gained the lead in the bottom of the second on a three-run home run that was crushed by Miguel Vargas, one of their top prospects who is praised for his offensive ability.
Justin Bruihl took over for Kershaw and threw 1.2 scoreless innings in his second Spring Training appearance. Blake Treinen and Daniel Hudson followed that with one perfect inning each. It marked a first appearance for both Treinen and Hudson.
Jason Martin provided insurance by driving in a run on a sacrifice bunt in the seventh inning, and Ryan Noda added an RBI single.
Jake Lamb, a non-roster invitee and former All-Star, also continued his hot hitting by going 3–for-3. The Dodgers designated Matt Beaty for assignment during the game, which suggests Lamb could end up earning a roster spot for the team’s bench.
Vargas continues to show bright future
This spring, Vargas is hitting .429 with a 1.600 on-base plus slugging percentage, one home run and three RBI in seven at-bats.
Although Diego Cartaya often headlines the Dodgers prospects, Vargas has been ranked as the team’s No. 1 by multiple outlets, including Baseball Prospectus and by the ZiPS projection system.
The 22-year-old has posted at least a 100 wRC+ at every stop since 2018. He is lauded for an advanced approach with the bat, in-game power and plate discipline. Vargas figures to be a part of the Dodgers’ future plans once Justin Turner no longer is manning third base.
As for the immediate future, Vargas was among the 16 players sent to Minor League camp following the Dodgers’ win.
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