Thursday, July 18, 2005

Vargas Promoted to the Marlins

Zebulon, NC --- On Thursday afternoon, the Florida Marlins announced the selecting of the contract of LHP Jason Vargas to the major leagues, making him the sixth Carolina Mudcat player this season to reach Miami.

It has been a whirlwind 2005 for Vargas, who began the season in Low-A Greensboro, moving to High-A Jupiter after nine starts, then coming to the Mudcats around three weeks ago.  Vargas was 1-0 with the Mudcats, and twice fanned 11 hitters in his outings.  Vargas made his major league debut from the Marlins bullpen on Thursday night as the Mudcats were en route to Huntsville, AL for tonight's first-place divisional showdown against the Stars.  Vargas pitched a scoreless seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies, striking out Mike Lieberthal, who had homered twice earlier in the game.  The Phillies beat the Marlins 13-7. 

Vargas was scheduled to start Saturday night's game in Huntsville, but that start will be made by LHP Ray Aguilar.  Vargas was the Marlins 2nd round pick just last June from Long Beach State University.

Vargas joins Chad Bentz, Yorman Bazardo, Logan Kensing, Scott Olsen and Chris Resop as other Mudcats from this season to be called to the majors.  A 40-man roster spot for Vargas was created when the Marlins designated LHP Al Leiter for assignment.