Happy-go-lucky Kennys Vargas was in a very unhappy place.
He wasn't hitting, and he wasn't having fun; he was worried about his future. The rumor mill was churning, with speculation that Vargas was on his way to Rochester for the second time this season. Desperate for power, general manager Terry Ryan said before Thursday's game that he was exploring all options, particularly at designated hitter.
That was supposed to be Vargas' spot. But he hasn't been doing the job.
"I haven't been having fun," Vargas noted. "I've been putting pressure on myself."
And then -- boom -- his whole world changed with one swing.