Vargas went 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

The utility player pinch ran for Victor Robles (hamstring) in the second inning and stayed in the game to play left field, picking up his first RBI, first extra-base hit and first steal of 2024. Vargas has appeared in three games so far and done so at three different positions, also seeing action at second base and third base. His most consistent path to playing time will come as Luis Garcia's platoon partner at the keystone, but after he saw a career-high 286 plate appearances in 2023, Vargas might be headed for an even bigger role this season while bouncing all over the diamond. Whether the 32-year-old does anything with the opportunity is another question, though -- he has a career .248/.289/.368 slash line in the majors.

Vargas appears set as the Nationals' primary utility infielder to begin the season.

EDGE Analysis

A big spring from prospect Trey Lipscomb created some drama toward the end of camp as to who would claim the final roster spots, but Vargas' job seems secure after Lipscomb was reassigned to minor-league camp Tuesday. With Luis Garcia and Nick Senzel both question marks at second base and third base, Vargas could see more playing time than expected in the early going, but he offers little fantasy upside after slashing .252/.304/.363 over 286 plate appearances for the Nats in 2023.

Vargas isn't in the Nationals' lineup Saturday against Atlanta, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas will remain on the bench for the second straight game Saturday after going hitless in his last two contests. Carter Kieboom will once again start at third base and bat seventh.

Vargas isn't in the Nationals' lineup Friday against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

After putting together a four-game hitting streak, Vargas has since gone 0-for-6 with three strikeouts over his last two games. He'll get a day off Friday with Carter Kieboom starting at third and batting sixth.

Vargas and the Nationals avoided arbitration Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year contract for 2024.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas is making $975,000 this season and should get a little salary bump for 2024. The 32-year-old utility player has a career-high 280 plate appearances with the Nats in 2023, producing a .245/.299/.354 batting line with four home runs. Vargas does not have options left, so he figures to head into next season in a reserve role for the Nationals.

Vargas is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader versus Atlanta, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas has an .821 OPS through 14 games in September and will take a seat for Sunday's matinee. Carter Kieboom is starting at the hot corner and batting seventh.

Vargas isn't in the Nationals' lineup Thursday against Atlanta, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although the switch-hitting Vargas holds a .773 OPS against left-handed pitchers this season, he'll get a day off against Max Fried on Thursday. Carter Kieboom will start at third base instead while batting fifth.

Vargas is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the White Sox, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals have been running a three-headed timeshare at third base of late, with Vargas, Carter Kieboom and Jake Alu having now made two starts apiece at the position over the past six games. Alu seems to have the most stable playing-time outlook of the three, as he'll now make his third straight start in left field in place of the slumping Travis Blankenhorn. The lack of consistent at-bats for either Vargas or Kieboom makes both players tough to rely upon, even in NL-only leagues.

Vargas isn't in the Nationals' lineup Saturday against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas has now missed three consecutive starts for the Nationals after starting nearly every game in August. Jake Alu will start again at second base, and Travis Blankenhorn will man left field.

Vargas isn't in the Nationals' lineup Thursday against Miami, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Vargas is slashing .268/.294/.476 against left-handed pitchers this season, he'll retreat to the bench against Braxton Garrett and the Marlins on Thursday. Michael Chavis will fill in at the keystone and bat seventh.