The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signing Chris Taylor prior to the MLB lockout beginning was touted as a key move for the team in their quest to return to the World Series.
Taylor’s production and ability to play on a daily basis was then among the factors behind the Dodgers trading AJ Pollock to the Chicago White Sox for Craig Kimbrel. Taylor started in two of three games during the Opening Series against the Colorado Rockies, playing left field both times.
Normally a steady presence at any position, Taylor dropped a fly ball in the first inning that led to the Rockies scoring three runs. It was the first of multiple plays impacted by swirling winds at Coors Field during the Dodgers’ 9-4 loss.
Following series loss, Taylor said there are several areas for the Dodgers to raise their play, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I think it was a bunch of things compounded today,” Taylor said. “So we definitely have a lot to improve on.”
Taylor went 2-for-3 with a double and RBI on a sacrifice fly that drove in the Dodgers’ first run. He also scored a run when Freddie Freeman lifted a fly ball to left field that Kris Bryant dropped — partly because of the wind — which resulted in a three-run error.
Taylor had multiple hits in both of his starts so far this season, but the Dodgers collectively have generally struggled at the plate. If not for a two-out rally on Opening Day, it’s possible the Rockies would have swept the series.
Taylor encouraged by elbow
Along with Taylor swinging the bat well thus far, he hasn’t shown any lingering effects of offseason surgery on his right elbow. Taylor initially was limited to playing the infield during Spring Training.
“I think ever since the Freeway Series it’s felt full strength,” he said on Opening Day.
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