The Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies begin their weekend series Friday night at Coors Field, each still with reason to seek wins as the regular season winds to a close. One victory for the Dodgers will guarantee them home-field advantage through the World Series.
Though, so will a loss by the Cleveland Indians, and one by the Houston Astros. Comparatively, the Rockies’ magic number to secure the second spot in the National League Wild Card Game is two.
Los Angeles plays the opener of the three-game set without Chris Taylor in their lineup. He was removed in the first inning on Wednesday night, shortly after slipping on first base. Taylor said he hyperextended his left knee, while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts alluded to there being a bone bruise.
Each classified the situation as more of a scare than actual injury, and the expectation was Taylor would be in the lineup Friday. That is not the case, however, as Curtis Granderson is starting in center field.
With a second day of rest, Taylor does anticipate he will start Saturday’s game, per Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
Chris Taylor said his knee feels good. He expects to get the day off today, but figures he'll be in the lineup tomorrow.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) September 29, 2017
Taylor is batting .287/.354/.498 with 34 doubles, 21 home runs and 70 RBI in what’s been a breakout season. He’s among the six Dodgers to reach 20 homers this year, marking the first time in franchise history that’s been accomplished in a single season.
While the Dodgers are still in pursuit of homefield throughout the playoffs, the health of Taylor and other key starters takes precedent, much as it did throughout the season.
