Chris Taylor had two of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ five hits in their shutout loss to the San Francisco Giants, but he was unable to finish Sunday’s game after crashing into the wall on an attempt at a running catch in the eighth inning.
The ball skipped off Taylor’s outstretched glove and hit the wall right when he did. Taylor managed to make a throw to the infield before staying down on one knee and holding his face. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer checked on the utility man as blood was coming from his forehead.
Taylor walked off the field under his own power and appears to have avoided an injury. Roberts nevertheless said Taylor won’t be in the lineup for the opener of the Freeway Series on Tuesday, via SportsNet LA:
“I think we dodged a big bullet. It was a pretty good gash above his eye. He’s as tough of a ballplayer as I’ve seen. I haven’t talked to the trainers yet, (but) I don’t expect it to be any type of IL stint. I’m sure there’s going to be some soreness, he’s going to get stitches, and I’m sure his neck is going to be sore. We have the off day and I’m going to give him Tuesday (out of the lineup) but my expectation is he’ll be available off the bench at some point in time Tuesday.”
Taylor went 2-for-4 with two doubles prior to being removed. He struck out in the top of the eighth inning, stranding Trea Turner and Justin Turner.
As a team the Dodgers left nine on base and were 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
Chris Taylor’s injuries
Last year Taylor dealt with neck trouble throughout the second half of the season and underwent right elbow surgery during the offseason to remove bone chips.
He made a full recovery by the start of Spring Training, but the Dodgers are yet to move Taylor from the outfield as they wanted to ensure full health in the elbow.
Roberts said Taylor did not sustain a shoulder or arm/elbow injury during his collision.
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