The Nationals announced that they have selected the contract of infielder Ildemaro Vargas. He has taken over the roster spot that was vacated by Ehire Adrianza, who was traded to Atlanta earlier today.
Vargas, 31, began the season with the Cubs on a minor league deal. He hit .279/.321/.413 over 25 Triple-A games and was selected to the big league club in May. Playing second base and shortstop, he got into 10 games with the Cubbies but hit just .130/.231/.348 in that time before getting designated for assignment.
After clearing waivers and electing free agency, he landed with the Nats on a minor league deal. In 48 Triple-A games in the Nats’ org, he hit .224/.301/.322.
Vargas is capable of playing all over the diamond and should provide the Nats with some versatility. In his career in the majors and minors, he’s played all of the positions on the diamond except for pitcher and catcher. The Nats have already shipped out Adrianza and could subtract other players from the roster between now and tomorrow’s trade deadline. Juan Soto, Josh Bell and Nelson Cruz are the most headline-grabbing possibilities, but Yadiel Hernandez and others could also be on the move. If trades do come together, Vargas can move around to whatever opening needs to be filled.
Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post reported on the Vargas promotion before the official announcement.
