Mets: Jason Vargas proving he can become an asset next year

After a horrible start to his 2018 season, New York Mets pitcher Jason Vargas is showing signs of becoming a more reliable arm in 2019.

When the New York Mets signed Jason Vargas to a two year deal in the offseason, they hoped he would be a viable part of their rotation. After a rough start to the season, it seemed to not work out.

There was a question on what the Mets should do with him at the end of the season, and plans for 2019 was looking more and more dismal. Since August 14th, Vargas might have a big role in 2019 after all.

Before August 14th, Vargas had an ERA of 8.75. He had pitched a total of 47.1 innings. Entering September, he has lowered his ERA to 6.56 and in the four games has pitched 22.2 innings.

Against the Baltimore Orioles, he pitched six innings, giving up two earned runs and only having one strikeout and three walks. Although he had more walks than strikeouts, The two earned runs given up was a good start and the fact he was able to last six innings was a good start.

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In his outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, he pitched 5 1/3 innings and gave up another two earned runs. He improved from last game as he did not walk anyone and struck out three.

His best game of this four-game stretch, and of the season, he shutout the Washington Nationals. Vargas pitched six innings, giving up three hits and striking out a season-high eight batters and gave up no walks. This was a game he needed to prove to himself, the team and the fans he can be what the Mets hoped he would be.

In his last game against the Chicago Cubs, Vargas pitched another 5 1/3 innings, gave up an earned run, two walks, and six strikeouts.

During his last two games, Vargas got his strikeout count up and has improved vastly over the last four games. Which he had three wins and zero losses, he posted an incredible 1.99 ERA, and a 1.01 WHIP.

There is no guarantee he will continue this past success as he has been unpredictable. But if Vargas has truly found his groove, there is hope for him in 2019. He can be a good asset in the rotation next year. He has lowered his ERA dramatically from 8.75 to 6.56 which is a great sign, and he is gradually going deeper into games which can give the bullpen a rest which has been a problem this year.

With any luck, the veteran southpaw continues to pitch well in the final month of the season.

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Although we do not know if the Vargas’ struggles have ended yet, it’s great to see him slowly improve and make the changes he desperately needed.