IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans opt to bowl vs Punjab Kings; Nishant Sindhu handed debut
IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans opt to bowl first vs Punjab Kings; debut for Nishant Sindhu
Ildemaro Vargas, a 34-year-old infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is leading MLB with a .388 batting average, surprising many in the league. His performance has been crucial for the team's offense amid struggles in pitching.

Diamondbacks' 34-year-old journeyman with .388 average has been biggest surprise in MLB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are 16-16 on the season, and it's thanks in large part to their poor pitching staff so far in 2026. The offense has been fine, with Corbin Carroll leading the way.
But, there's a different player who's been performing at elite levels for the D-Backs this season: 34-year-old journeyman infielder Ildemaro Vargas.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale called Vargas the biggest surprise in baseball, as the veteran D-Backs infielder leads all of the Major Leagues with a .388 batting average this season for one of the more stunning starts to a year in baseball.
"Biggest surprise, Ildermaro Vargas, Arizona Diamondbacks," Nightengale writes. "He has had three different stints with the Diamondbacks, playing parts of 10 different seasons with six different teams, and signing a minor league contract this winter when no one else would give him a big-league deal."
Ildemaro Vargas is currently leading Major League Baseball with a .388 batting average in the 2026 season.
Vargas is considered the biggest surprise due to his unexpected elite performance at age 34, significantly contributing to the Diamondbacks' offense.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have a record of 16-16 this season, largely impacted by their poor pitching staff despite a decent offensive showing.
IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans opt to bowl first vs Punjab Kings; debut for Nishant Sindhu
Jayson Tatum explains why he sat out Game 7 vs. 76ers, contributing to Celtics' loss.
Athletics face Guardians in must-win game to avoid sweep

Quillan Salkilld looks to rise in UFC rankings after victory over Beneil Dariush.
Liverpool is in advanced talks to sign Adam Wharton for £18 million, a player also targeted by Real Madrid. The move aims to strengthen Liverpool's defensive midfield despite Ryan Gravenberch's recent contract extension.
Kobbie Mainoo and teammates express unwavering support for Michael Carrick after thrilling win over Liverpool.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
After being a bottom-of-the-roster option at-best this offseason, Vargas has become someone the Diamondbacks couldn't afford to go without this season.
He had a 27-game hitting streak to begin the season, and did so on just a $1.25 million salary. Vargas isn't making much, but he's been one of the best players in the sport.
His .388 batting average has been the best in Major League Baseball, and it's not just that he's making contact for singles and cheap hits; he's actually posting a .673 slugging percentage, the best in the NL.
He has six doubles, two triples, and six homers on the year so far. The 34-year-old, who's never once been a top-tier player in the sport, has been playing like an elite hitter this year.
Vargas has been the biggest surprise in Major League Baseball this season, as his 196 OPS+ is more than double his 85 OPS+ from a year ago. All of a sudden, Vargas is the best hitter in the NL.