Chris Taylor was expected to be a regular starter in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup this season but has seen his playing time decline of late due to prolonged struggles.
Entering the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Taylor last started on May 16. However, he appeared off the bench Monday night and collected a single. It was just Taylor’s third hit of the month but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted his at-bats have been “better.”
“Trying to figure out spots for C.T., [Monday] he came up with a big hit for us. I think that was good for his confidence. Every live situation we have for our pitchers, he’s out there. He’s accountable, he works hard, doesn’t make excuses, and I think the swing is getting better,” Roberts added.
“So now the question is what’s best for C.T. as far as how we can get him the best runway to get back into a normal rhythm. I haven’t done that because there’s some other guys that I feel should have opportunities to play. But when I do find opportunities, I’m trying to get them in there and we’ll see how the next week plays out.”
Overall this season, Taylor is batting .098/.222/.098 with five RBI. He’s yet to collect an extra-base hit and has 30 strikeouts in 73 plate appearances while playing in just 28 games (18 starts).
It’s believed some of Taylor’s struggles are attributed to a swing change he attempted to implement during Spring Training, which initially yielded positive results.
“I think it can be difficult at times because there’s certain things that he’s not feeling that he wants to feel, that he’s frustrated with,” Roberts said of Taylor’s ongoing work with his swing.
“He’s a mechanical guy. And the hitting guys and him, they’re going back and forth, trying to figure some things out. And so it can be tough when you’re trying to compete at this level and feel like you’re not pulling your weight, it gets frustrating. But like I said, the guy puts in the work every single day, and it’s not lost on me, not at all.”
Dave Roberts spoke with Chris Taylor
With Taylor’s role being reduced, Roberts made sure to speak with the veteran utilityman during the Dodgers’ recent road trip.
“I talked to him a little bit in San Francisco, and he clearly understands his performance, how guys are playing, but certainly wants an opportunity to play,” Roberts said. “And I understand that, I respect that.
“And so I just asked him to continue to stay ready when called upon, and that’s what he’s doing.”
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