The Dodgers have a corresponding roster move after trading for utilityman Cavan Biggio. Jack Harris of the LA Times reported Miguel Vargas will be optioned back to Triple-A to clear a roster spot for Biggio. Harris also reported they newly-acquired utilityman will be active for the Dodgers' Wednesday night matchup against the Rangers.
This comes as a small surprise since Vargas was hitting well after being called up in the middle of May. He hit .250 with a .304 on-base percentage, smacked three doubles and had one home run. The problem was he had just 23 plate appearances and saw action in only eight games.
His lack of playing time on a club that needed any kind of offensive spark didn't bode well for his long-term viability on this year's roster. While Vargas has shown intriguing flashes at the plate, there's nowhere Los Angeles can hide him defensively.
Biggio, on the other hand, hasn't been great at the plate, but he's a legitimate do-everything utilityman who has seen significant innings at every infield spot except shortstop. He's also seen time at every outfield position.
Vargas' future with the Dodgers is murky after appearing in 107 games across the last three seasons. That he's still been unable to find a home in the lineup doesn't bode well for his long-term future with the club. Perhaps he carves out a niche defensively down the road. He's still just 24-years old. For now though his inability to stick on this version of the Dodgers roster is concerning, particularly with players like Kiké Hernández and Chris Taylor struggling.
For now, Biggio will provide manager Dave Roberts a reliable defensive option and spot starter at virtually any position.
