Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said Tuesday that Vargas (lat) recently began a throwing program and could be ready to return from the 60-day injured list around the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Zac Hereth of 710 AM Seattle Sports reports.
Vargas has been on the shelf all season while recovering from a right lat strain, which he sustained in spring training. Even though Vargas projects to serve as a middle reliever and won't need to get stretched out for more than an inning or two, the Mariners are content to have him move through his throwing program slowly. A more definitive target date for his return should become available once he's ready to head out on a rehab assignment.