After a breakout season in 2017, it is no secret that Chris Taylor has struggled at the plate a bit the last two years. That’s been particularly true to start the 2019 season, despite optimism from Taylor and the Los Angeles Dodgers over the winter.
Taylor was able to come up big in Friday night’s come-from-behind win over the San Diego Padres though, hitting a home run off starter Eric Lauer to begin the fifth inning and break up his no-hit bid.
Taylor also had a single later in the game to finish 2-for-4, just his third multi-hit game of the season.
After the win, Taylor discussed his solid night at the plate and said he is starting to figure things out, via Shaun O’Neill of MLB.com:
“I’ve felt a lot better for the last week and a half,” Taylor said. “I’ve been really close to getting over the hump, so it’s good to see results.”
Over his last seven games, Taylor is hitting .250/.316/.500 with four RBI, which is a significant improvement when comparing it to his .179/.261/.295 season slash line.
Perhaps one key to Taylor improving at the plate has been Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sticking with him and still providing regular playing time despite being in a slump. Roberts recently said that his past history with the team has earned him ample opportunities.
The Dodgers’ offense has been one of the best in baseball so far this season, and that is with usual key contributors like Taylor, Justin Turner and Corey Seager getting off to slow starts. If they can all get going then the offense could perhaps reach an even high level.
After all, Taylor has slugged a combined 69 doubles and 38 home runs over the past two seasons.
