Dodgers' Former Top Prospect Opens Up About Struggles at the Plate Last Season

"It was a pretty tough moment."

Saying Miguel Vargas struggled last season would be an understatement. 

The former top prospect hit .310 in the minor leagues, and was given the starting job at second base out of Spring Training. But he struggled to keep his batting average above .200 in what amounted to a three-month audition.

“I never struggled with my hitting before. Obviously everybody has good years and bad years but it had never happened to me before. It was kind of new for me.”

Miguel Vargas via O.C. Register

By the All-Star Break, Vargas was back in Triple-A Oklahoma City and never saw Los Angeles again — even after rosters expanded in September.

Based on what was publicly reported, health was not a factor in Vargas' struggles. He acknowledges now that a hairline fracture in his right pinkie suffered during Spring Training limited his ability to swing the bat. He was also hit on the right thumb by a pitch in the first week of the season.

“Obviously it was pretty tough. Being in the big leagues full time (then to) have those injuries and not be able to be myself, that was pretty tough.

“(Being sent down), that was very hard. Every player wants to be in the big leagues. This clubhouse – I missed this clubhouse a lot. It was a pretty tough moment. I don’t think anybody wants to pass through that. After I was in Triple-A, it gave me time to think about everything I was doing.”

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Miguel Vargas via O.C. Register

Last season was one of the lower points in Vargas' young career. He leaned on his family for support, especially his father. Lazaro Vargas was a baseball star in Cuba and reminded his son of his struggles.

“It happened the same to him. When he was younger, he had a tough year before he became as great as he is. I think he helped me a lot. Having him on my side, giving me his experience was very helpful to me.”

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Miguel Vargas via O.C. Register

Vargas says he has found his swing and is healthy now. One problem remains: there's nowhere for him to play. 

Mookie Betts is the Dodgers' new second baseman. Every other infield position is on lock. He has been taking some reps in left field, but even there he's blocked by Teoscar Hernandez and Chris Taylor.

Manager Dave Roberts says Vargas looks "fantastic" so far this spring, and sees him being "a big part of what we’re doing now, and going forward.”

For his part, Vargas isn't harboring any expectations of playing time.

“I don’t know. I don’t know,” Vargas said. “I was just thinking this offseason, ‘Get ready. Get ready and be the best version I can be.’ And whatever happens happens.”

Miguel Vargas via O.C. Register

One injury, coupled with a good spring training, could launch Vargas back in the big leagues this season. Waiting for an opportunity to be an everyday player with the Dodgers could be a waste of time, even for a player with Vargas' potential.