Kansas City Royals: Five Players to Watch Vs Oakland Athletics

Apr 8, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Salvador Perez (13) is congratulated by third base coach Mike Jirschele (23) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jason Vargas (51) – Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

JASON VARGAS

Jason Vargas pitched a gem against the Astros on Friday night, which was a welcomed sight! The left-handed pitcher threw six innings of one run ball and earned his first win of the season as a result.

Vargas was out for most of the 2016 season, but did manage to make three starts with an ERA of 2.25 ERA. Fans didn’t expect him to pitch at all last year, but his rehab was going well and he was given the green light to start a few games.

Seeing Jason Vargas pitch well was great for the Royals rotation, as Ian Kennedy and Jason Hammel didn’t have great first outings. If Vargas could step up and be the second best guy in the rotation, then that’d be wonderful for this team moving forward.

Vargas is projected to pitch again on Thursday against the A’s and should be squaring off against Jesse Hahn.

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