Royals’ Jason Vargas impresses Ned Yost in simulated game

Jason Vargas made a significant step forward in his return Wednesday, as he pitched a 60-pitch simulated game before the Royals took on the Twins.

Manager Ned Yost said that Vargas will make a start for Class AA Northwest Arkansas on Monday and added that he was encouraged by the way Vargas looked.

“He’s in pretty good shape,” Yost said.

“The way he was reacting was how he’s supposed to; the hitters were reacting the way they were supposed to.”

Vargas last pitched on June 8. He is 5-2 with a 4.10 ERA and had won four of his last five starts before the injury.

This story was originally published July 8, 2015 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Royals’ Jason Vargas impresses Ned Yost in simulated game."