Dodgers’ Rookie Bobblehead Giveaway Features Outman & Vargas – Surprising Duo Takes the Spotlight
LOS ANGELES — In a surprising twist, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rookie-themed bobblehead giveaway showcased two players, James Outman and Miguel Vargas. This is an unusual occurrence, especially considering Vargas has spent most of his time in the minor leagues.
James Outman has been a consistent presence in the Dodgers’ outfield and has performed well enough to be considered for the National League Rookie of the Year award. On the other hand, Vargas was sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City on July 9 and has struggled to find his place on the Dodgers’ depth chart.
Before the trade deadline on August 1, the Dodgers acquired veterans Amed Rosario and Kiké Hernandez, who both have the ability to play second base. To add to the competition, the Dodgers also brought Kolten Wong, a two-time Gold Glove winner at second base, onto the team when rosters expanded.
Despite high expectations, Vargas has failed to secure a promotion back to the major leagues. Manager Dave Roberts explained that Michael Busch’s outstanding performance in Triple-A has played a significant role in Vargas’ extended stay in Oklahoma City. Busch has been impressive with a .323 batting average, .432 on-base percentage, and 24 home runs.
However, Busch has had some struggles since joining the Dodgers, with only three hits in 24 at-bats. Roberts mentioned that Busch’s difficulty might be attributed to not playing regularly, as he is unaccustomed to that situation. Once J.D. Martinez returns from injury, Busch’s stint in the majors could potentially come to an end.
Vargas has showcased his talent in Triple-A this year with a .303 batting average and .411 on-base percentage in 44 games. Despite a recent breakout game where he went 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs, Vargas experienced a challenging 15-game stretch where he batted .100. Roberts expressed confidence in Vargas’ future contributions but emphasized the importance of performance and meritocracy.
In other news, Walker Buehler made a successful minor-league rehabilitation start for Triple-A Oklahoma City. Buehler retired all six batters he faced, throwing 24 pitches and striking out two batters. This marked Buehler’s first competitive outing since undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in June 2022. Buehler is expected to make at least two more rehab starts before rejoining the Dodgers’ major-league roster.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers have planned their starting rotation against the Miami Marlins: Clayton Kershaw, Lance Lynn, and Julio Urias will take the mound in that order. The Marlins, on the other hand, will start with left-hander Jesus Luzardo on Tuesday and left-hander Braxton Garrett on Thursday, with Wednesday’s starter yet to be announced.
The Dodgers’ rookie-themed bobblehead giveaway featuring James Outman and Miguel Vargas has certainly captured attention and given fans a unique duo to celebrate. While Outman has emerged as a reliable player, Vargas continues to strive for a return to the major leagues. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these two rookies’ stories unfold and if they can make a lasting impact for the Dodgers.
