The Twins announced that they have acquired switch-hitting utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas from the Diamondbacks for cash. Minnesota will make a 28-man roster move to accommodate Vargas’ activation at a later date. Arizona designated Vargas for assignment late last week.
Vargas, 29, has a strong Triple-A track record at the plate and plenty of versatility, given that he’s a switch-hitter with more than 1000 innings of experience at each of shortstop, second base and third base. Vargas has also seen time at all three outfield spots and first base, though only a few games’ worth of innings at each slot.
However, despite that versatility, Vargas’ production from Triple-A hasn’t really carried over to the Majors. He’s a career .326/.371/.464 hitter at the top minor league level but has mustered just a .257/.287/.357 slash in the Majors. He hasn’t received much of a look at the big league level with the D-backs, however, so perhaps the Twins feel that he can thrive with a bit more playing time. Then again, the Twins already have plenty of infield options themselves, so playing time could continue to be difficult to come by. Vargas is also out of minor league options, so the Twins can’t send him to their alternate training site in St. Paul unless they designate him for assignment themselves and Vargas subsequently goes unclaimed on waivers.
Oh great, what purpose does this guy serve? Why not give Gordon a shot? Does this mean the Twins are going to be without Donaldson for a long time?
Gordon’s had COVID19 since day 1, he’s still out. I’m sure this is bad news regarding Donaldson, yes.
Donaldson is out for who knows how long.
Adrianza is not hitting.
Also in that “NOT HITTING” category = Garver, Sano, Rosario, Buxton, Cave.
Discounting Cruz, the Twinkies only have 9 Position players.
For a 28 player roster, that’s a SHORT bench
Garver and sano….yes. Buxton? ummm he has been hot for a week. Rosario is what he is.
Buxton BA = .211
Rosario BA = .211
If Buxton has been hot for a week and is all the way up to hitting at a .211 clip, he must have really been stinking it up before that..
Whatever Garver did last year, word has gotten around and the pitchers have made their adjustments.
Sano, Buxton and Rosario are not long term for this team.
Batting Average? The year was 1919,…..
17 games into the season, and you’re discounting a hot week because he previously had a cold week.
Good luck in Minnesota Vargy!
You will be missed in the Desert. Twins are getting a great person. Hope he thrives there…very hard worker and very fan friendly.
More IF experience is apparently needed now. Ehire approaching FA, maybe he is a short term trade chip to be replaced by Vargas. Smells like JD is out awhile. But the Turtle is on the way back!
If the Twins want to hold the division, now’s not the time to experiment with Nick Gordon. Maybe Royce instead..