Although the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chris Taylor were hopeful — if not optimistic — he had only sustained a left foot contusion, a CT scan revealed the full extent of the injury to be a small fracture.
Taylor missed one game but returned for the Dodgers’ Fourth of July matchup against the Colorado Rockies, only to be removed in the sixth inning due to persistent pain. The foot injury was unfortunate timing as Taylor had been feeling improved strength in his right elbow for the first time since undergoing offseason surgery to remove bone chips.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had previously indicated Taylor was unlikely to play the infield this season as the team was being cautious with his elbow not quite being 100% healthy. However, as Taylor nears a return, the mindset has shifted.
“So obviously, as we’ve kind of gone through the season, we just feel that he can handle a different arm angle from the infield to the outfield,” Roberts said. “So just having him taking grounders in the infield also gives us a few more options.”
If Taylor is to play the infield, it primarily will come at second base.
Taylor has been limited to the three outfield spots this year, but in past seasons has played every position with the exception of first base, catcher and pitcher.
Taylor begins running
After being limited to playing catch and participating in batting practice, Taylor recently advanced to running for the first time since sustaining the fractured left foot.
He did so without any discomfort and clearing that final hurdle has him in position to begin a rehab assignment next week. But first, Taylor will participate in simulated games at Dodger Stadium while the Dodgers are on their road trip.
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