Chris Taylor was removed in the bottom of the first inning Wednesday night due to a left knee contusion that was a result of slipping on first base. He did not suffer any structural damage and is considered day to day.
Taylor’s left leg appeared to buckle, and his right ankle turned, as he reached on Yangervis Solarte’s throwing error. The play was eerily similar to what amounted to a bone bruise for Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper when he slipped on a wet bag. While Harper also avoided ligament damage, he spent just over six weeks on the disabled list.
Taylor hobbled up the first-base line and was tended to by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and head athletic trainer Nate Lucero. He jogged up the line before initially remaining in the game. Taylor was then pinch-run for by Curtis Granderson once Corey Seager walked to put two on with nobody out.
Within the past week the Dodgers clinched a fifth consecutive National League West title and home-field advantage through the NL Championship Series. The Dodgers will finish with the best record in the NL for the first time since 2009.
They entered the night with their magic number at two — with both the Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros — to also secure homefield in the World Series.
While the Dodgers have placed an emphasis on accomplishing as much, health is of more priority. Particularly with Taylor, who’s solidified center field and the leadoff spot in the lineup.
He began the day batting .287/.354/.499 with 34 doubles, 21 home runs and 70 RBI.
