Vargas' side session goes well, could be back in rotation Sunday
CHICAGO -- There was some encouraging news coming out of the Royals' clubhouse Monday, as left-hander Jason Vargas had a good throwing session on the side, and could be back in the rotation as soon as Sunday.
Vargas had an appendectomy on July 10 during the Royals' road trip to Tampa and was expected to miss at least 3-4 weeks.
Manager Ned Yost said before Monday's game against the White Sox that Vargas threw about a 20-pitch side session back in Kansas City earlier in the day.
"He had no trouble with it," Yost said. "He felt good."
Yost said Vargas likely will have another side session either Wednesday or Thursday. If that goes well, Vargas could come off the disabled list and pitch Sunday against Cleveland at Kauffman Stadium.
Yost said he could make no guarantees, though.
"There's no way of knowing right now," Yost said. "He's day to day. There's no definitive yes or no to it right now. He has to let us know how he feels.
"But he felt good (today)."
Vargas isn't eligible to come off the disabled list until Thursday, and with Bruce Chen pitching Tuesday, Vargas' next slot in the rotation won't come up until Sunday.
You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter at @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.
