Diamondbacks Reactivate Pavin Smith and Ildemaro Vargas

The Arizona Diamondbacks just got a much-needed boost. Two versatile infielders, Pavin Smith and Ildemaro Vargas, are back from the 10-day injured list.

Both players were activated before Monday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians. They took the roster spots of outfielder Jorge Barrosa and infielder Connor Kaiser.

Arizona’s looking to spark some offense and shore up the infield. This stretch of the season feels pretty critical, doesn’t it?

Diamondbacks Welcome Back Pavin Smith

Pavin Smith had been out since July 6 with a strained oblique. That injury hit just as his season was picking up steam.

Before landing on the IL, Smith was showing off a nice mix of contact and power. He hit .262 with a .371 on-base percentage and a .446 slugging percentage across 79 games.

Smith’s 2024 Season at a Glance

The 28-year-old lefty made a real impact early in the year. Here’s a quick look at his first-half numbers:

• 28 RBIs and 15 doubles
• 8 home runs with 40 walks
• 84 strikeouts over 79 games
• 48 games as designated hitter and 27 at first base

Smith returned to the lineup Monday against Cleveland. He started at first base and hit fifth in the order.

His left-handed bat gives Arizona more flexibility. He can fill a few different roles, depending on what the team needs that night.

The Return of Ildemaro Vargas

Alongside Smith, veteran infielder Ildemaro Vargas is back after recovering from a foot fracture. He got hit by a pitch on June 25 and missed several weeks.

Vargas, now 34 years old, brings experience and defensive versatility. Honestly, you can’t overstate how much that helps a roster.

Vargas’ Impact Despite Small Sample Size

Vargas has only played 10 games this season, but he made those games count. Here’s what he managed:

• A .286 batting average with eight hits
• Four RBIs and seven strikeouts
• Steady infield defense and a respected clubhouse presence

Vargas’s switch-hitting and reliable glove give manager Torey Lovullo more ways to mix and match. That’s got to be reassuring when making out the lineup card.

Roster Moves: Barrosa and Kaiser Optioned

To clear space for Smith and Vargas, the Diamondbacks sent Jorge Barrosa and Connor Kaiser back to the minors. Barrosa, a young outfielder, is still finding his way at the plate and has hit just .132 over 23 MLB games.

Kaiser’s Brief Stint Comes to an End

Kaiser appeared in only five games, picking up two hits and two RBIs. Both players have shown flashes, but they’ll keep working in the minors and wait for another shot.

Why These Returns Matter for Arizona

Getting Smith and Vargas back couldn’t come at a better time for a team trying to shake off a slump. Smith offers some offensive punch, while Vargas brings steady defense and a little bit of everything else.

Arizona’s lineup gets more flexible with these two healthy again. They won’t have to lean so hard on inexperienced call-ups, which should help down the stretch.

With the postseason still in sight, every game matters. The Diamondbacks need steady hands, and Smith and Vargas can absolutely help stabilize things as the season heats up.

Looking Ahead

The Diamondbacks are in the middle of their series against the Cleveland Guardians. Everyone’s curious to see how Smith handles things after weeks away from the field.

There’s also some quiet hope that Vargas can find his rhythm again quickly. If both guys settle in fast, Arizona might actually get a shot of momentum for their playoff chase.

Major League Baseball seasons are long, and honestly, depth matters more than folks admit. Having Pavin Smith and Ildemaro Vargas back gives the D-backs a real boost for these crucial weeks.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pavin Smith, Ildemaro Vargas activated off Diamondbacks IL