Things could seemingly only go up for Jason Vargas following his last performance in Atlanta on April 13th where he retired just one batter prior to being pulled in the first inning by manager, Mickey Callaway.
Vargas, 36, showed some signs of improvement against a tough Cardinals team as he went four innings while allowing one run on three hits and both walking and striking out three batters in the team’s 5-4 victory.
“I don’t think there was any pressure because the only other start I made on regular rest … we won,” Vargas said. “I never felt like I needed to be cautious or think about things in a fashion where they (the front office and coaching staff) don’t believe in what I can do.” (NY Post)
The embattled starting pitcher put forth his best performance of the season before being taken out in favor of Seth Lugo in the fifth inning. It was a step in the right direction for Jason but still a worry of having your starting pitcher leaving so much work for the bullpen as the team prefers him not to take on a lineup for a third time in a game.
“That’s what it is,” Callaway said. “Vargas is going to continue to battle out there, and we’re always going to make sure that we do the best we can to get through the game the right way.” (Newsday)
Vargas tossed 75 pitches in his four innings of work, 41 of which were for strikes. Jason also lowered his ERA from 14.21 down to 9.58 with Friday’s start.
It remains to be seen just how long this ballclub can afford to go with trotting Vargas out every fifth day without the trust of letting him pitch past the fourth or fifth inning.
