The second half of the 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers schedule begins Friday against the New York Mets for the start of a nine-game road trip. That could also coincide with Chris Taylor returning to the lineup.
Although the Dodgers went into the All-Star break on a four-game road trip, injuries remained a prevailing theme. Taylor is among those who are currently out, but he could be activated off the 10-day injured list in time for the series opener at Citi Field.
Taylor has been on the IL since June 25 because of right knee soreness that was a result of a bone bruise and what Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described as “cartilage wear and tear.”
Taylor’s IL stint was backdated to June 22, which made Sunday, July 2, the earliest he was eligible to be activated. But once that date arrived, Roberts said Taylor would remain on the IL until the second half of the season.
After going through a recovery period at Camelback Ranch, Taylor began a rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League Dodgers. He then joined Single-A Rancho Cucamonga for another game before the Quakes began their Minor League break.
Taylor went a combined 2-for-5 with one home run, one RBI and one walk in those two games. He can easily be added back onto the Dodgers active roster that has an open spot due to Miguel Vargas getting demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City at the beginning of the week.
However, it’s also plausible the Dodgers have Taylor continue with his rehab assignment for the time being.
Dodgers sign Jake Marisnick as insurance for Chris Taylor?
Further clouding what may be ahead for Taylor is the Dodgers reportedly signing Jake Marisnick to a Major League contract. Marisnick was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers earlier this week and rejected an outright assignment to the Minor Leagues in favor of free agency after clearing waivers.
Though, the Dodgers theoretically could carry Marisnick and Talor on their roster by sending Yonny Hernández down to the Minors.
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