Dodgers News: James Outman’s double cycle, Miguel Vargas promotion, Clayton Kershaw update

How about a Los Angeles Dodgers news dump, folks?! Far too much has happened over the last ~12 hours for us to dedicate individual attention to all of it, so let’s drop all the important updates right here in one quick read for ya.

Kicking things off is, of course, James Outman, who hit for the cycle AGAIN on Tuesday night with Triple-A Oklahoma City. It’s the second time he’s done it in four games. On Friday, when he first accomplished the feat for the first time in 11 years for OKC, he did it in style with a walk-off homer.

Then came Tuesday in what was another win for the OKC Dodgers. Outman went 4-for-4 with three runs scored, five RBI and two walks. On Friday, he went 5-for-5 with one run scored, TWO triples and six RBI. Unbelievable.

He’s now hitting .304 with a 1.111 OPS in 32 games at Triple-A. Maybe time for a September call-up? If not, he should definitely be a starter on the 2023 Opening Day roster. What more does this kid need to prove?

If you didn’t catch the cycle from Friday, check it out here. Otherwise, the highlight reel from Tuesday night is below:

Dodgers top prospect James Outman hitting for the cycle twice was wild

During that game when Outman set the world aflame, his teammate, Miguel Vargas, was yanked in the second inning and reports emerged that he was on his way to New York to join the Dodgers’ taxi squad in preparation for an activation when rosters expand on Thursday.

Vargas debuted at the MLB level earlier in the season alongside Outman and impressed in his two games of action. He logged two hits, two RBI and a stolen base in eight at-bats as a DH, so hopefully this time around he’ll see some reps at the hot corner or in left field since the Dodgers have a nice cushion in the NL after becoming the first team to 90 wins on Tuesday.

The Dodgers made a few roster moves on Tuesday when they optioned pitchers Phil Bickford and Michael Grove while elevating relievers Jake Reed and Heath Hembree. Infielder Eddy Alvarez was also designated for assignment.

Dodgers promoting Miguel Vargas on Sept. 1?

Don’t forget, the Dodgers plan to activate Blake Treinen on Friday and have Tommy Kahnle and Victor Gonzalez out on Triple-A rehab assignments at the moment. They’ll also have to welcome back Tony Gonsolin in mid-September (assuming his recovery goes as planned).

Oh yeah, and then there’s Clayton Kershaw! Manager Dave Roberts said he’ll be back on Thursday to face the Mets at Citi Field.

Kershaw hasn’t pitched since Aug. 4 when he was removed from his start against the Giants with a back issue, so this will mark four full weeks since he’s been on the mound. Though he’ll need some time to build back up in preparation for the playoffs, his return is crucial after the untimely Tony Gonsolin forearm issue. For now, the Dodgers rotation should look like this:

• Clayton Kershaw
• Julio Urías
• Tyler Anderson
• Andrew Heaney
• Dustin May

Still a full rotation despite missing TWO guys who provide ace-like production. Though the Dodgers continue to dominate, September will be a month where they get guys on track for October. And they have the luxury of doing that with their 19.5 game division lead and nine-game NL lead.

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