Jason Vargas was slated to start the season in the rotation, and not simply because he’s being paid $8 million per season to play in Flushing either. Now that Vargas might miss some time due to a non-displaced fracture in his non-throwing hand, that plan has most definitely changed.
So far this spring, Vargas, 35, has thrown 8.2 innings, pitching to a 4.15 ERA with a 1.73 WHIP. Nothing to write home about, but nothing to worry over, either. Veterans like Vargas are always working on different things during spring training and numbers are a little less important.
Still, his nine strikeouts and four walks are just a little better than what he’s done per nine innings over the duration of his twelve-year career (six strikeouts-per-nine, 2.9 walks-per-nine).
As per Matt Ehalt of The Record, Alderson had this to say on Sunday morning regarding Vargas’ prognosis:
“He’ll pitch through it or he’ll have it surgically repaired. The question is if he pitches through it, how long (and) what effect that it will have on his preparation for the season. Obviously, secondarily, if he has the surgery, what effect that will have.”
The Mets’ have some depth at the starting pitcher position, but if Vargas should miss any significant time it could give Sandy Alderson even more reason to re-examine the pitching market.
Alex Cobb is still waiting out there and it might be time for the team to consider adding him. He’s said to have turned down multiple contract offers in the $10-$12 million range, for three-and-four-years.
Cobb, 30, owns a career ERA of 3.50 and a WAR of 10.7 in 115 games. The fact that he could be had for around $13 million a season and is still out there is beyond baffling to me.
If Vargas is indeed out for an indefinite amount of time, it’s likely we could see both Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz in the Opening Day rotation. That is unless Jason Vargas can make it back in time for the latest the Mets could possibly need him, April 4th.
Of course, if the Mets decide to go another direction, it would likely mean a move to the bullpen for either Wheeler or Matz until Vargas returns. After that, if Cobb were on board, they could both potentially find themselves pitching in relief. Not a terrible scenario if you’re asking me. For now, let’s just hope the prognosis for Vargas isn’t too serious.
