Los Angeles Dodgers Prized Rookie Suffers Fracture

After registering an OPS of better than .900 the past two seasons in the minors, while getting on base in the .400 range, the Los Angeles Dodgers were counting on big things from rookie Miguel Vargas this season. He's even penciled in as their starting second baseman.

The team was holding its breath, then, when Vargas was struck by a hard-hit grounder in the hand this weekend. 

Miguel Vargas has a hairline fracture in that pinky. Won’t swing a bat for a few days but otherwise still good for other baseball activities. He hurt it went a grounder hit him in that finger earlier. https://t.co/TGWdZuM6ui

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 20, 2023

As noted by Dodgers beat writer Fabian Ardaya, Vargas suffered a hairline fracture in his pinky finger. It doesn't seem to be major, thankfully, but he won't be able to swing a bat for several days. He will be able to still do other baseball activities, such as running and fielding, according to manager Dave Roberts. He said the injury is not expected to be a long-term issue at all.

Last year at Triple-A, Vargas batted .304 with a .915 OPS and a .404 on-base percentage. He flashed his power and speed combo, hitting 17 homers with 82 RBIs in 113 games, while stealing 16 bases. 

LA is hoping for big things from its young middle infield this season of Vargas and former top prospect Gavin Lux. 

 Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports