Diamondbacks option infielder Ildemaro Vargas to Reno
Jul 23, 2019, 10:06 PM | Updated: 10:08 pm
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced after Tuesday’s loss to the Baltimore Orioles that infielder Ildemaro Vargas is being optioned to Triple-A Reno.
A corresponding move will be made on Wednesday.
Vargas, 27, has been a consistent rotation fixture in the D-backs’ lineup, with injuries to Wilmer Flores, Jake Lamb and Steven Souza Jr. requiring players to move around the field. Vargas has started 27 games at second base and another six at third base.
David Peralta’s potential return could leave Vargas’ services no longer needed as a depth piece. Peralta has been on the 10-day IL since July 5, and his eventual return will shift Jarrod Dyson back to center and Ketel Marte to the infield at second. That leaves Nick Ahmed at short, Eduardo Escobar at third and Christian Walker at first.
Flores returned from the injured list on Thursday after a right foot fracture had him on the IL since May 21, and so did Lamb earlier in the month, leaving the backup spots in the middle of the infield and third filled as well.
In 69 games and 178 plate appearances, Vargas is hitting .262 with five home runs and 20 RBI.