The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped their series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates to end a 16-game winning streak in their head-to-head meetings, but far more concerning was the status of Chris Taylor, who left the game in the sixth inning due to injury.
Taylor was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts before he fouled a pitch off the inside of his left knee in the top of the sixth. He immediately went down the ground in pain and was slow to get back into the batter’s box after being checked on by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer.
The initial diagnosis was Taylor suffered a bone bruise, which seems like a best-case scenario. Roberts said X-rays came back negative and the Dodgers will continue to evaluate Taylor’s progress after a pre-planned night off Tuesday, via SportsNet LA:
“Right now it’s day-to-day. The scan showed there was no fracture, just a bone bruise. So he’ll lay low [Tuesday] and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
After the game, Taylor said he hopes he will be available to pinch-hit during Tuesday’s game, which is also an encouraging sign.
However, a full day off might do him some good. Monday was Taylor’s 25th start out of 26 games the Dodgers have played so far this season and he has been in a slump recently.
It seems unlikely the Dodgers would recall an extra position player unless Taylor ends up missing more time than expected. If that is the case, then Zach McKinstry, Kevin Pillar and Jake Lamb would likely be the first three in line, with the latter two requiring a 40-man roster move.
Dodgers add Ryan Pepiot to taxi squad
Because of their doubleheader this past Saturday against the Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers need another starter against the Pittsburgh Pirates to make sure no one ends up taking the mound on short rest.
Among pitchers under consideration to start were Ryan Pepiot, Andre Jackson and Robbie Erlin. Of those, Erlin is the only one on the active roster, but the Dodgers have put Pepiot on their taxi squad, indicating he could be the favorite and make his MLB debut on Wednesday.
Additionally, Erlin pitched an inning on Monday, which further implies Pepiot is in line to make his MLB debut.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
