Zack Greinke Took a Different Approach To His Pitches Knowing That Vargas Has Not Been Cleared To Swing

The Dodgers infielder is expected to swing a bat again in Wednesday’s game.

Although Spring Training has kicked off, Miguel Vargas has yet to swing a bat because of a hairline fracture in his pinkie.

Despite this minor setback, manager Dave Roberts is still giving him opportunities with 10 plate appearances the young infielder has amassed so far.

In those plate appearances, the 23-year-old has drawn in four walks without even swinging the bat. Although some pitchers may not be aware of Vargas’ situation, guys like Zack Greinke know that Vargas has not been cleared to swing. 

Zack Greinke vs Miguel Vargas AB (pitches ranging from 59mph to 92mph). Greinke f'ing with Vargas who hasn't been cleared to swing. 😂 pic.twitter.com/PwPPPMC5lz

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 5, 2023

Greinke threw an eephus pitch which was not as common, although he has been known to throw his eephus pitch a couple of times per game. The former All-Star pitcher threw a series of pitches at Vargas that ranged from the 59mph Eephus to a 92mph Fastball.

This sequence was even more interesting to watch given the fact that Greinke also utilized the PitchCom system on his belt to call all of his own pitches.

As Vargas gets more plate appeaches these experiences will only help him further develop his game. The young infielder has shown potential in previous years in the minor league system and is expected to play a big role this upcoming season in the majors. In 2022, the Dodgers promoted Vargas to the major leagues for the first time where he had one homer, 4 runs on 8 hits, and 8 RBI across his 47 major league at-bats.

The more reps Vargas gets in, the better prepared he will be in facing other pitchers during the regular season. Luckily for him, Roberts voiced that Vargas should be able to swing a bat again in Wednesday’s game.