AquaSox notes: Relief pitcher Vargas has been go-to arm

EVERETT — The Everett AquaSox season is just over a week old, but already there’s someone emerging as the go-to arm in the bullpen.

Richard Vargas has only made three appearances for the Sox, but those three outings can best be described as electric.

Vargas has faced 15 batters so far this season. He’s retired 14 of those, nine by strikeout. His efforts during Friday’s 6-5 extra-inning victory over Hillsboro were crucial as he shut down the Hops in the ninth and 10th innings, allowing just one single and fanning four.

“He and (Nick) Valenza really did a good job just keeping us in the game,” Everett manager Rob Mummau said. “We were down 4-0 early and they each threw two scoreless and kept us in it. Richard has done a great job all year. He’s got a big fastball, a pretty good slider, he’s got a high ceiling.”

The stats don’t tell the whole story about Vargas. The 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic is rumored to have touched triple digits on the radar gun in the past. He hasn’t done that for the Sox just yet, but he’s been close. One fastball he threw Friday to punch out a Hillsboro batter was clocked by the Everett Memorial Stadium radar at 98 mph.

“I’ve heard (he’s hit 100 mph),” Mummau said. “I haven’t seen it, but I think it’s in there for sure. He’s thrown consistently 94-96, on occasion he’ll touch 97. So he’s got a big arm.”

Vargas hasn’t harnessed that in the past. He spent 2011 with Pulaski of the rookie Appalachian League and 2012 with Clinton of the mid-Class A Midwest League, but his results were middling. However, so far he’s stood out for the Sox.

“He sure has,” Mummau said. “He’s taken the ball each time, he throws the ball with conviction, he’ done a real nice job.”

Wilson arrives

There was a new towering presence during Everett’s batting practice Saturday.

Austin Wilson, the Seattle Mariners’ second-round pick in this year’s draft, joined the team, in accordance with reports from earlier this week. He had his first workout with the team before Saturday’s doubleheader, though he was not scheduled Wilson, a 21-year-old outfielder from Los Angeles, stands a mammoth 6-feet-5 inches and 245 pounds. This spring as a junior at Stanford University, he batted .288 with five home runs and 26 RBI in 31 games. That prompted the Mariners to select him with the 49th overall pick.

It was reported Friday that Wilson would likely make his Sox debut Monday against Hillsboro in the final game of Everett’s eight-game homestand. Everett manager Rob Mummau said only that Wilson would go through a couple workouts before getting into his first game early in the coming week.

Short hops

Left-hander Ryan Horstman is expected to start on the mound for the Sox this afternoon. Ricardo Pereira was the originally scheduled starter. However, Everett pitching coach Rich Dorman said previously he intended to get Horstman, Seattle’s fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, into the rotation, and Pereira struggled in his first start…. In Friday’s game, Hillsboro successfully executed a double steal with runners on the corners. It was the second time three games the Sox allowed a double steal.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.