The Los Angeles Dodgers have jumped out to a 2-0 start in Cactus League play, picking up wins against the Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies.
Most of the club’s projected starters have gotten into at least one game, while Zach McKinstry and DJ Peters are the only players to appear in all two.
However, there has been one notable absence thus far, as Chris Taylor was missing from both contests. “Chris woke up [Monday] morning with a stiff neck,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained. “Slept wrong, so he’ll be down for a couple days.
“I would hope that we can get him into a game on Wednesday.”
With Kiké Hernandez departing for the Boston Red Sox in free agency, Taylor is expected to fill a super utility role this season. In addition to sharing time with Gavin Lux at second base, Taylor may also get some reps at third base when Justin Turner needs a day off.
“I think for me, looking at the roster and value of Chris Taylor, it’s important for me to make sure he’s in there on a regular basis,” Roberts said. “He’s made it clear it doesn’t really matter where he plays.
“To have Justin there, to have Eddie Rios, and to know C.T. feels comfortable over there at third base if need be, I think it’s good for everyone. … I think C.T.’s ability to move around the diamond, willingness and also having done that, I think is best for the Dodgers.
Taylor also expected to play some left field
Roberts previously mentioned Taylor as one of three players who will see time in left field this season. “I expect AJ, who’s always hit righties and lefties, to be out in left field,” Roberts said.
“I know Chris Taylor does the same thing, so he’s going to need his at-bats. Then you kind of layer in Matt Beaty getting some repetitions and at-bats in left field, which I feel really good about.
“Joc [Pederson] is a hard guy to replace, but I think it’s going to be a high-class problem to make sure these talented players get these at-bats out there.”
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