Diamondbacks Agree To Minors Deal With Ildemaro Vargas
The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to major-league spring training with free-agent utility man Ildemaro Vargas on Tuesday, according to sources. Vargas landed on the open market this offseason after being non-tendered by the Washington Nationals last month. The 33-year-old veteran switch-hitting infielder slashed .246/.295/.316 with only one homer, 30 RBI, a career-high nine stolen bases and 21 runs scored in 95 games with the Nats in 2024 in his eighth big-league season. Vargas made his major-league debut in Arizona back in 2017 and has played parts of five seasons in the desert, so he'll be rejoining an organization he's pretty familiar with. At best, Vargas might be worth a bench spot in NL-only leagues as a utility infielder if an injury opens up more playing time for him.
Washington Nationals infielder Ildemaro Vargas has cleared waivers and has elected to test free agency, according to Bobby Blanco. Vargas posted a .246/.295/.316 slash line with one home run and nine stolen bases across 97 games with the Nationals. He was deployed as a utility option in Washington last season and logged double-digit starts at second base, third base, and the outfield. He held a stellar 10.2% strikeout rate but struggled to generate hard contact as he carried a poor 31.9% hard-hit rate and a 1.2% barrel rate. Fantasy managers should expect Vargas to have a similar role in the 2025 campaign if he finds a suitor, but he should not be on your fantasy radar given his lack of hitting production.
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Ildemaro Vargas has been designated for assignment on Sunday. The 29-year-old infielder was claimed off waivers on May 17 after a short stint with the Chicago Cubs. Vargas is 3-for-34 this season and recorded only one hit during his time in Pittsburgh. Chase De Jong has been recalled to take his spot and the roster and will make the start against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. Vargas might get another chance else, but can be ignored in fantasy leagues. De Jong won't be a trustworthy streaming option for Sunday's slate.
Chicago Cubs infielder Ildemaro Vargas (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Mondays contest versus Pittsburgh due to a strained right hamstring. The club decided not to make a corresponding move for his roster spot immediately, meaning that David Bote and Nico Hoerner will likely handle any backup infield duties. Vargas has been lightly used since being acquired by the Cubs, with little fantasy intrigue surrounding the light-hitting utility infielder. His next best chance at taking the field comes in the postseason, where he doesnt figure to see many plate appearances due to the clubs infield depth.
Ildemaro Vargas Acquired By Twins, Willians Astudillo Activated
Utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas has been claimed off of waivers by the Minnesota Twins, after having been DFAd by the D-backs. Vargas played in 92 games all over the diamond last season and put together a .269/.299/.412 slash line in what was primarily a pinch-hitting role. He could factor in in the short-term if Josh Donaldson (calf) remains on the injured list longer than expected, but Vargas has little season-long fantasy intrigue at this stage. Back in the mix for Minnesota is Willians Astudillo, who could also be an option at the hot corner if he is able to move up from the teams alternate training site in the near future. Astudillo delivered a staggering 137 OPS+ in 29 games back in 2018, although his path to playing time remains muddled this year.
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a pair of singles while adding three walks in Wednesday's 5-4 road loss against the Colorado Rockies. Vargas has been on fire over his past four outings, going 10-for-18 (.556) with a home run, four RBI and six runs scored during his modest four-game hitting streak. If he keeps up at this pace it will be hard for manager Torey Lovullo to keep him out of the lineup. However, he remains nothing more than an option for fantasy owners in deeper NL-only leagues unless the hot streak continues well into June. He is also a nice low-cost DFS play while running hot.
Ildemaro Vargas Making The Most Of His Opportunities
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas made another start Monday in Colorado and he finished 2-for-5 with a run scored while batting second in manager Torey Lovullo's starting lineup. The skipper is riding the hot hand, as Vargas has collected eight hits over his past three starts, going 8-for-16 (.500) with a homer, four RBI and six runs scored to bump his average from .186 to .253. Fantasy owners outside of deeper NL-only leagues will want to see a little more before investing a roster spot on him, but he isn't a bad low-cost option with some upside in DFS while running hot.
David Peralta Out, Ildemaro Vargas Leading Off Wednesday
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta (shoulder) is out of the lineup on Wednesday after leaving the game early on Tuesday with a shoulder injury. Blake Swihart is starting in left field and batting eighth, while Ildemaro Vargas is at second base and hitting leadoff against Padres left-handed starter Eric Lauer. Hopefully Peralta will be ready to return on Friday after Thursday's off day. Vargas and Swihart are both low-ceiling DFS plays, but Vargas has more appeal as a deep sleeper on Wednesday out of the leadoff spot. Ketel Marte has moved to center field and is batting second.
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas is starting at third base and is hitting leadoff against Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka on Thursday. Eduardo Escobar is taking the day off in the matinee game as his struggles at the plate to start the year continue. Shortstop Nick Ahmed is also getting a breather Thursday. While the lineup spot is a nice one, Vargas will remain a deep sleeper in DFS formats. He's hitting .250 (5-for-20) with a homer and four RBI on the year and will face Atlanta's top pitching prospect in this one.
After suffering an unfortunate injury, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Steven Souza Jr. (knee) will miss the entire 2019 season following reconstructive knee surgery. In his place, the club has named infielder Ildemaro Vargas to the Opening Day roster. The 27-year-old has played in 26 major league games over the past two seasons, hitting .250 with eight hits in 33 plate appearances. The Venezuelan native provides the Diamondbacks with contingency plans at second base, shortstop and third base. This could ultimately provide flexibility around the field to make up for Souza's absence in right field.
Ildemaro Vargas
• 2B
•
Diamondbacks
