Miguel Vargas was staying at the Dodgers' "stay hot camp" at Camelback Ranch last October, in case he was needed during the postseason. Vargas went back to his Miami offseason home after the Dodgers were knocked out by the D-backs in the National League Division Series.

Vargas allowed himself a three-day weekend to spend with friends and family. After that, Vargas had to get back to work. He was anxious to put behind him the unpleasant memory of his disappointing performance in the previous season, which eventually resulted in being sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City during the summer.

The 24-year-old joined Dodgers camp a year ago with a Major League roster position. He was spared from any kind of competition. Thanks to his talent, notably at the plate, the Dodgers gave the former top prospect the starting position at second base.

But Vargas' season didn't start off well given that he missed much of Spring Training hitting the bat due to a hairline fracture in his right index finger. The young hitter was further stressed when he was struck in the hand again in the middle of the summer.

The right-hander played 256 games with the Dodgers last season, with a batting average of .195. Vargas was sent down at the All-Star break because of his serious challenges over the summer. Last season, he was never able to return to the Majors.

While Vargas had a few physical concerns the previous season, the 24-year-old struggled mentally at the plate. He didn’t find the joy playing the game like once before.

Vargas entered the camp this spring as a left fielder. The Dodgers determined that moving Vargas to the outfield would provide him more chances to contribute in the Majors since Mookie Betts is currently the starting second baseman. Vargas has spent time with former Dodgers outfielder Andre Eithier this spring and worked with first-base coach Clayton McCullough over the winter.

The 24-year-old just wants to go out and prove to everyone that he can still be an essential part of a team, even one as successful as the Dodgers, since he must now earn every opportunity going forward. He will enjoy himself throughout the entire process.