Veteran left-hander Jason Vargas, one year removed from Tommy John surgery, is edging closer to a return to the mound for the Kansas City Royals.
The 33-year old, who has one-year remaining on a four-year contract with Kansas City, is slated to begin a rehab assignment today (Saturday) in Surprise, Arizona. Vargas is expected to throw two innings for the Royals’ Rookie League affiliate.
Vargas missed the Royals playoff run to the franchise’s second-ever World Series title last season, after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. He had started 39 games for Kansas City before the injury.
Kansas City Royals pitcher Jason Vargas (51) throws the ball before the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)