The Los Angeles Dodgers welcomed back Tommy Edman and Max Muncy on Monday night, and Chris Taylor may not be far behind as he recovers from a left groin strain and works on his swing mechanics.
Taylor joined Triple-A Oklahoma City on Aug. 16 for the start of a rehab assignment and played three games with the Dodgers’ top affiliate.
He went a combined 4-for-11 with two doubles, one RBI and three walks during that span.
“He swung the bat well yesterday,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the series opener against the Seattle Mariners. “He’s off today, and within the week I could see him getting back.”
Prior to Taylor getting activated, his rehab assignment is continuing with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday night. It’s not yet clear how many games Taylor will play with the Quakes.
He’s been on the injured list since July 25.
While Taylor is using the rehab games to ensure good health, it’s also provided him with an opportunity to work on swing adjustments that could help salvage what’s been an underwhelming season thus far.
Prior to the left groin strain, Taylor hit just .167/.277/.265 with five doubles, one triple, three home runs and 15 RBI over 64 games.
Chris Taylor’s role
Given that the Dodgers faced some uncertainty with Muncy’s return from a right oblique strain, they planned to give Taylor the bulk of starts at third base in his absence.
Whenever Taylor does return to the Dodgers roster, that figures to be in more of a utility role he’s so often filled. Muncy is not only back to play third base on a daily basis, but Gavin Lux has taken hold of second base. The Dodgers also have plenty of outfield depth, but some of that could change based on roster decision to activate Taylor.
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