Carlos

Vargas

Vargas throws extremely hard, but has yet to carve out a permanent role at the highest level yet. The 24-year-old flamethrower made five relief appearances last season for the Diamondbacks before being shipped to the Mariners last November as part of the Eugenio Suárez deal. He still has minor league options left, so he’s headed to Triple-A Tacoma to open the year.

It’s a light return for Seattle, but the Mariners are hoping the recently acquired Luis Urías can give them similar production to Suárez at third base, and this does save some money to be used elsewhere. Vargas, a former Guardians prospect, had a 7.02 ERA and a 36/32 K/BB ratio in 42 1/3 innings as a Triple-A reliever last season. He throws 97-101 mph, so he offers plenty of upside out of the pen if his control comes along. However, it’s been slow going thus far, and he has just one option year remaining.

Vargas was brought back to the majors for Sunday’s first-half finale, but will head back to the minors prior to Friday’s second-half opener against the Blue Jays up in Toronto.

Vargas made the Diamondbacks roster out of Spring Training but was optioned to Triple-A in early April after posting a 5.79 ERA across five appearances. He wasn’t much better in Triple-A; in fact, he was worse, but he returns to Arizona’s bullpen with Tyler Gilbert heading to the paternity list on Sunday.

The hard-throwing Vargas had a 5.79 ERA and a 7/4 K/BB ratio in 4 2/3 innings. He’ll be back.

Vargas was acquired last November from the Guardians in a small trade and is expected to open the regular season in a relief role. The 23-year-old right-hander missed nearly two years due to Tommy John surgery before returning last year as a reliever. He could work his way into high-leverage spots for Arizona at some point this year.

40-man roster spots are at a premium in Cleveland, and this move frees one up for now. Vargas missed two years due to Tommy John surgery before returning as a reliever last season and posting a 3.67 ERA in 34 1/3 innings in the high minors. He has two options remaining, so the Diamondbacks could groom him as a starter if they’d like. He’d certainly have a better chance of contributing in the short term as a reliever. Carver, a 20th-round pick in 2021, had a 5.06 ERA in 24 starts between high-A and Double-A last season. He’s a long shot to make it as a starter in the majors, but the Guardians have a way of turning long shots into useful pitchers.

Vargas was only up with Cleveland for a handful of days and did not make an appearance.

Vargas holds a 4.15 ERA and 33/14 K/BB ratio over 30 1/3 relief innings between Double- and Triple-A this season after making it back from Tommy John surgery. He’ll be making his major league debut when he gets into a game.

Vargas has completed his minor league rehab assignment while recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstructive surgery and will remain at Triple-A Columbus moving forward. The 22-year-old righty has yet to reach the majors or pitch above Double-A Akron.