In a game where offense was at a premium, the Los Angeles Dodgers did just enough to earn a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers managed only three hits but two of them went over the fence for home runs. Will Smith’s two-run blast in the fourth wound up being the difference-maker, but Chris Taylor later added some insurance with a solo shot to lead off the fifth inning.
Taylor regularly has come through with big hits for the Dodgers this season and is making a case to be selected to his first career All-Star Game. He currently ranks sixth among the top nine vote-getters for National League outfielders.
“I’m sort of getting used to him impacting the game in some facet every night,” manager Dave Roberts said after Monday’s win. “I just really hope that the surface line of what he does, I think that’s enough to warrant being an All-Star.
“Just the value, versatility and playing above-average at a handful of spots on the diamond, it’s a no-brainer. I know I’m bias, but I expect him to continue to go out there and play well. He’s a Major League All-Star in 2021. No doubt about it.”
Taylor enters play Tuesday batting .275/.389/.475 with 20 extra-base hits, 35 RBI and six stolen bases in 244 plate appearances this season (61 games). Along with his contributions on the offensive end, the 30-year-old has appeared at six different positions.
“He does something to help us win every night,” Roberts said last week. “The homer the other night, the versatility, the 14-pitch double to clear the bases, the willingness to play anywhere on the diamond.
“He does it every single night. C.T., up to this point — and it’s early — Muncy and C.T. are probably the MVPs to this point.”
Muncy leads NL first basemen in 2021 MLB All-Star Game voting update
As of Monday’s initial 2021 MLB All-Star Game voting update, the Dodgers are on pace to only be represented by Max Muncy thus far, who leads all NL first basemen with 405,609 votes.
Other All-Star hopefuls include Gavin Lux, who is the third-leading vote-getter among NL second basemen, and Justin Turner, who also is in third place among third basemen in the league.
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