Dbacks Claim Claudio Vargas Off Waivers

[KingLouieLouie]

http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com...t_id=1074144&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari

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Claudio Vargas

Vargas, 25, was 0-3 with a 9.24 ERA in four starts for Washington. He began the season on the disabled list due to a right elbow sprain suffered in Spring Training. He was sent to Triple-A New Orleans on April 16 for a rehabilitation assignment and went 2-2 with a 4.18 ERA in five starts. Vargas was activated from the disabled list on May 10.

Vargas began his big league career with Montreal in 2003, and over the past three seasons has recorded an 11-16 record with a 5.03 ERA in 72 appearances, including 38 starts. He is 10-15 with a 5.23 ERA as a starter. In his 34 relief outings, he has posted a 1-1 record with a 4.40 ERA.

Vargas went six strong innings against the Diamondbacks on May 11, giving up one unearned run and getting a no-decision.

Some players had privately told Melvin that Vargas was a guy the organization might be interested in when they heard he might be released. Melvin called Garagiola Jr., who delved into the Diamondbacks' scouting reports on Vargas and put in a waiver claim. The club didn't expect to get Vargas, since they were 21st in the order. So it came as a mild surprise when Arizona got him.

"Vargas threw well against earlier this season, and he has a plus arm. Our rotation is full, but we could use him if we need a spot start to make up a rainout. I always thought that if we got a chance to upgrade, we'd upgrade. But until they get here, I won't say the bullpen will shake out until they get here. We have quality guys, and there is always the possibility to carry 12 pitchers."

Herges and Vargas will boost an Arizona bullpen that has one of the highest ERAs in the National League at 5.64. As of the last five games, however, the 'pen has become more stubborn, allowing just one earned run in 13 1/3 innings, for a 0.68 ERA, as it continues without closer Brandon Lyon, who was placed on the DL on May 13 with a strained right elbow. There's been no change to Lyon's status.

"This is a guy with a power arm, and anytime you can add an arm like that for the waiver price, you have to do it," Garagiola Jr. said. "That game he pitched against us earlier this year, it seemed he was sitting on 94 mph all game."

Melvin was not committed to making any moves with his roster to make room for Herges and Vargas. He did not say whether he would carry 10 or 12 pitchers.

I guess it's definitely now either "good-bye" to Ligtenberg (answer to MaoTosiFanClub's and most of our prayers/wishes) along with Ryanwb's suggestion that Kata will be demoted to clear room on the active roster with the additions of Herges and now Vargas.....