Based mostly on the viral photograph of Miguel Vargas after the White Sox’s twenty first consecutive loss on Aug. 5, the previous Dodger appeared something however content material along with his current transfer to Chicago.
Vargas, whom the Dodgers signed as an beginner out of Cuba, had carved out a worthwhile position within the Dodges’ group. He appeared in 27 video games in left discipline this 12 months, taking part in 166 innings and making 20 begins. With Teoscar Hernández in proper discipline and no left fielders doing their greatest to remove Vargas’ job, his path appeared clear to be a daily contributor on a possible playoff roster.
Together with the handful of gamers traded on the deadline, Vargas noticed his circumstances drastically change on July 30. The Dodgers packaged Vargas in a three-team commerce involving the Cardinals and the White Sox, sending Vargas to Chicago in change for reliever Michael Kopech. After the transfer, the 24-year previous discovered himself on the worst group within the main leagues.
Since July 30, the White Sox have misplaced 11 out of their final 13 video games. They’ve fired their supervisor, tied the American League report for consecutive losses, and are nicely on their technique to setting the trendy report for many losses in a season. It’s a steep fall for a participant who got here from a company that leads its division yearly. The Dodgers have been six and a half video games forward of second place the day earlier than Vargas was traded.
You will need to have a look at the brilliant aspect in disappointing conditions. For Vargas, becoming a member of Chicago has allowed him to realize extra expertise within the Main Leagues. He’s getting considerably extra taking part in time than he did with the Dodgers.
He has began in all however one recreation at quite a lot of positions since his first day with the franchise, together with third base (8), left discipline (1), and designated hitter (3). For the reason that White Sox’s new supervisor Grady Sizemore took over following the twenty first consecutive loss, Vargas has been primarily taking part in third base.
On the plate, Vargas has struggled a bit, slashing .116/.240/.209 in 50 plate appearances. A batting efficiency like that led to the White Sox optioning Dominic Fletcher to the minor leagues. However, it looks as if the franchise is decided to offer Vargas time to regulate to the Main League pitchers.
It’s an unlucky ending to what might have been Vargas’ first World Sequence season, however the younger participant nonetheless has a few years remaining in his profession. His expertise with the White Sox will permit him to develop right into a participant with a constant position for any group.
Picture Credit score: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports activities
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