A primary focus for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the final week of the regular season was to remain healthy, which didn’t unfold with Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor during the three-game series against the San Francisco Giants.
Rojas was hit by a pitch in his left hand on Friday night, and Taylor was struck in the left knee during the fourth inning of the series finale at Oracle Park. Whereas Rojas was immediately removed — and later underwent X-rays that came back negative — Taylor initially remained in the game.
SportsNet LA reporter Kirsten Watson relayed on the broadcast that Taylor told teammates in the dugout his knee already was feeling better. Taylor played the field in the bottom of the fourth inning but was replaced in the fifth due to what the team announced as a left knee contusion.
Following the Dodgers’ 100th win of the season, manager Dave Roberts said all is well with Taylor, via SportsNet LA:
“Chris Taylor is good. It was a slider that got him on the outside of the knee. It was one of those, to what end to keep running him out there? Got David (Peralta) in there, Kolten (Wong) in there. He’ll be fine.”
Working in Taylor’s favor is the Dodgers now have five days off before hosting Game 1 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, October 7. They’re due to face the winner of the Wild Card Series between the No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers and No. 6 Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers are going to hold multiple days of workouts and intrasquad games, but Taylor’s participation and workload during those can be easily managed.
Any potential lingering injury would have significant implications on the Dodgers postseason roster as Taylor not only found his swing at the plate but provides tremendous versatility in the field.
Chris Taylor got comfortable
After enduring some struggles earlier this season, Taylor got into a better rhythm that led to improved results.
“I think just mechanically, I’m in a pretty good place,” he said last week. “It’s nice to not have to constantly think about my mechanics. It’s tough to do that in the box.
“Right now I feel like I’m in a spot where I can compete in the box. I think I’m seeing pitches better and making better decisions.”
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