The 2024 season has been a struggle for Chris Taylor but he’s continued to receive support and words of confidence from Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Taylor rewarded Roberts’ faith on Friday night with a game-tying solo home run that helped the Dodgers complete their 14th comeback win of the season. The home run was Taylor’s first of the year and just his second extra-base hit.
“It’s been a while,” Taylor said. “I think there was more relief than anything. I wasn’t sure if I was going to ever get to do that again. Yeah, it felt good.”
Prior to doing so in the series opener against the Kansas City Royals, Taylor had last homered on Sept. 7, 2023. He spent Friday afternoon taking early batting practice on the field.
“We do that every once in a while,” Taylor explained. “I think it’s good to get out there and see some velocity on the field, especially if you’re not playing every day. And getting my at-bats [Thursday] against Kersh was good too.”
Chris Taylor taking some extra BP before the game. He’s joined by Miguel Rojas and Andy Pages. pic.twitter.com/A64jm0EUHa
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While the focus during the early hitting Friday was seeing velocity, Taylor’s home run came on a changeup and he’s consistently worked to find his swing.
“It’s been every day,” Taylor said. “It’s kind of weird not being in there that often. Some days you feel good but you don’t get to play. And some days you’re not feeling good. It’s just kind of the way it goes.
“Just trying to be consistent with my work and be ready when my opportunity comes.”
Chris Taylor relying on family
Mounting struggles can easily weigh on a player, which is something Taylor has been mindful about avoiding.
“I try to just take it day by day. I’ve definitely had my moments of frustration, but just trying to embrace the process and trust that my work is going to eventually come through for me,” he said.
“I know what I’m capable of, so just not losing sight of that and continuing to grind through. … My family definitely helps. I say it all the time, I don’t know how I would’ve handled this earlier in my career.
“I think I took things home with me a lot more, and now that I have my wife and kid at home, it’s a good escape from all this. I’m very thankful that I have them.”
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