Jason Vargas struck out eight while allowing two runs in 6 2/3 innings Wednesday in a win over the Rockies. Eight strikeouts is a new high for him as a Royal, and it's the ninth time he's reached that mark in his career. After a rough patch against the Blue Jays and Tigers, he's allowed two runs over 13 2/3 innings while winning his last two starts. That's good, but he's still a risky play next week with the right-handed heavy White Sox and Angels on the schedule.