Dodgers’ Miguel Vargas explains his mindset and approach

July 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Miguel Vargas (27) celebrates after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries to Mookie Betts and Max Muncy have opened the door for Miguel Vargas to receive a bigger opportunity with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and so far, he’s taken advantage of it.

The 24-year-old was in the lineup Friday and went 2-for-3 with a home run in the team’s 8-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Vargas was back on the bench Saturday, but he showed courage when called upon, hitting a home run that gave the Dodgers the lead. “It’s awesome. I’m ready for these kinds of moments. It’s awesome to have success in these moments,” Vargas said after the Dodgers’ 5-3 victory.

It was the first time in Vargas’ career that he hit a home run as a pinch hitter.

“Since I got called up, I’ve been on the bench a lot,” Vargas began. “So I’m always trying to be in the cage, have that type of approach, get at-bats in the cage too. I’m trying to be ready before anything happens.”

Vargas said his only goal when he pitched in the eighth inning was to reach the bases. “Today I was trying to do my job, reach the bases. The result wasn’t what I was trying to get, but it was good,” he said.

Vargas has been a positive for the Dodgers since his recall last month. In 18 major league games, he is hitting .349/.408/.651 with four doubles, three homers and nine RBIs.

“Obviously, when you do a good job, it’s easy to control. But at the end of the day, that’s why my goal is to be consistent with that and be the same every day,” Vargas said.

Dave Roberts impressed by Miguel Vargas

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was impressed with Vargas’ at-bat and returned him to the lineup for the series finale Sunday. “Very impressive,” Roberts began.

“He was ready, prepared, and even on the first swing, the foul ball, he was ready to hit it off the bench. He took a ball that was really in the ball, and kept it fair, made a good swing.

“I didn’t know if it was enough to get out of this situation, but Vargy, like I said, is gaining confidence, more confidence every day. He’ll be there tomorrow, and he’ll have more opportunities, and that’s good to see.”

Roberts previously noted that Vargas could begin receiving starts at third base with Muncy still recovering from a right oblique injury.

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