DENVER — A struggling Miguel Vargas was not a part of the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, but don't expect that to continue.
Despite the struggles for Miguel Vargas at the plate this season, slashing .201/.301/.376 in 274 plate appearances this season, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is hoping a talk between the two over the weekend, followed by an off day on Monday and a mental break on Tuesday will be enough to kickstart Vargas into high gear.
Los Angeles Dodgers have no plans to abandon Miguel Vargas
Roberts told reporters here in Denver before the Dodgers and Colorado Rockies kicked off a three-game series that he and the 23-year-old Vargas "had a great conversation" on Sunday with the hopes of easing his mind in the midst of his offensive struggles.
"It was just continuing to let him know that the confidence hasn't wavered," Roberts said of the talk. "I think for me, it's just going back to what he does really well, and that's to get hits. If we can just simplify it to that and swinging at good pitches and not trying to do too much and not have to be a carrier or slug, but just to get hits, I think things are going to turn."
In order to make that happen, Roberts said that he will continue to use Vargas in his lineup, with Roberts saying he expects to use Vargas on Wednesday and Thursday in Denver. When the Dodgers move on to Kansas City for a three-game set this weekend, Vargas will play in two of those three games, but Roberts wouldn't commit to which two they would be.
"He's going to hit. He will hit," Roberts predicted. "He's always hit and now you just take the mind out of it and the anticipation, then you get more clarity of mind. He'll be fine."
Those Dodgers fans who are done with Vargas in the lineup and complaining on social media are simply going to have to hope that Roberts is spot on with his predictions of Vargas turning things around as the Dodgers continue to chase the top spot in the National League West.
