Chris Taylor contributed to the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday, powering his first home run of the regular season in the fifth inning.
The veteran utilityman is in the middle of his worst statistical season of his big league career. Batting .108/.200/.151, Taylor’s first home run was just his second extra base hit of the season.
Despite having the second-lowest on-base plus slugging of all big league hitters with at least 100 plate appearances, he’s maintained his focus this season.
“I try to just take it day by day,” Taylor said. “I’ve definitely had my moments of frustration, but just trying to embrace the process and trust that my work is going to eventually come through for me. I know what I’m capable of, so just not losing sight of that and continuing to grind through.”
Taylor’s meaning to the organization goes beyond just the playing field, as he’s been with the team during all of their playoff runs dating back to 2017. The 11-year veteran noted that he’s leaned on those around him this year to maintain focus.
“My family definitely helps,” Taylor said. “I say it all the time, I don’t know how I would’ve handled this earlier in my career. I think I took things home with me a lot more, and now that I have my wife and kid at home, it’s a good escape from all this. I’m very thankful that I have them.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been at the helm during Taylor’s entire turnaround, feeling the vexations through him.
“I can’t imagine,” Roberts said. “For me, there’d be a lot of sleepless nights. But for him, he comes in every day, ready to help us win, and that’s just sort of who he is. With the way he’s struggling, when he does something like that to help the ball club, it makes you feel a lot better.”
The plus side for Taylor is his ability to, at least on the surface, maintain a certain consistent approach with his outward demeanor and never showing his inner frustration.
“He doesn’t,” Roberts added. “He’s pretty the same whether he’s going really well or scuffling.”
Will Chris Taylor remain with the team through All-Star Break
The Dodgers could opt to release Taylor, but the salary obligations and meaning to the franchise will likely deter them from doing so.
His running mate, Kiké Hernández is the only utility option that could be let go and that’s mainly because of his low salary alongside his redundancy with his position versatility. The 11-year man could be lumped in with Taylor if their production doesn’t improve.
Dodgers front office members are clearly going to evaluate the team on the margins toward the deadline, that includes both Taylor and Hernández an how much they can help the team in a pivotal window.
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