Ildemaro Vargas
Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
June 7, 2026
Out of lineup again
Vargas is not in the Diamondbacks' starting lineup against the Nationals on Sunday.
Analysis
It's the third game in a row in which Vargas will be on the bench for the start of the game. With Pavin Smith serving as the team's DH, Vargas has been losing playing time to rookie LuJames Groover, who is starting at first base and batting eighth in Sunday's series finale.
June 7, 2026
Comes off bench again
Vargas (thigh) entered Saturday's game as a pinch hitter, went 0-for-1, and finished as the designated hitter in a 6-1 loss to Washington.
Analysis
Vargas, who was removed from Thursday's game with a thigh issue, has come off the bench in the next two contests. He was able to play defense Friday before getting a plate appearance Saturday, indicating he has no limitations and may simply be slipping back into a bench role. The recent activation of Pavin Smith from the injured list and the call-up of prospect LuJames Groover, who started at first base Friday and Saturday, appears to be impacting Vargas' playing time.
June 6, 2026
Not in Saturday's lineup
Vargas (thigh) is not in the Diamondbacks' starting lineup against the Nationals on Saturday.
Analysis
Vargas is dealing with a left thigh contusion that forced him to leave Thursday's game against the Dodgers. He entered Friday's game against Washington after being absent from the starting lineup, so Vargas could be available off the bench for the Diamondbacks for Saturday's contest. LuJames Groover will start at first base and bat eighth.
June 6, 2026
Enters game late
Vargas (thigh) entered Friday's game in the eighth inning to play second base. He did not get a plate appearance in a 14-1 loss to the Nationals.
Analysis
Vargas was injured in a scary collision with Los Angeles' Max Muncy on Thursday but appears to have avoided a serious injury. That he was able to play the field for a couple of innings is an encouraging sign that Vargas can resume his role sharing first base and DH with occasional work at other infield spots.
June 5, 2026
Sitting down Friday
Vargas (thigh) isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Nationals, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Analysis
Vargas left Thursday's game with a thigh injury after a collision, and the D-backs will keep him out of action Friday to allow him to recover. His absence will allow LuJames Groover to make his MLB debut starting at first base and batting fifth.
June 5, 2026
Considered day-to-day
Manager Torey Lovullo said Vargas is day-to-day with a bruised left thigh and rib cage after colliding with Max Muncy in Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis
While Vargas is considered day-to-day, Lovullo said Vargas is unlikely to play Friday against the Nationals. It's still good news after he and Muncy were involved in a big collision at first base in the fifth inning Thursday. Pavin Smith came on to replace Vargas at first base following his injury.
June 5, 2026
Leaves game after collision
Vargas was removed from Thursday's game against the Dodgers in the fifth inning after colliding with Max Muncy at first base, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.
Analysis
Muncy legged out an infield single in the top of the fifth, but he and Vargas violently collided at the bag. Both players spent several minutes on the ground before each was helped off the field. Pavin Smith has replaced Vargas at first base. Vargas went 0-for-2 at the plate before the injury.
