Chris Taylor was removed in the sixth inning of Saturday’s win against the San Diego Padres due to a left foot contusion and he is expected to be miss the series finale at Dodger Stadium. Trayce Thompson took over in right field for the remainder of the game.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Taylor underwent an X-ray on his left foot, which came back negative. Taylor had his foot wrapped and was walking gingerly in the clubhouse following the win.
Taylor was removed shortly after trying to make a second sliding catch, but it appears the injury was sustained after fouling a ball off his left foot in the third inning. He went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts prior to being removed.
Taylor endured an inconsistent month of June and has been mired in a slump of late. Prior to going 1-for-4 on Friday, Taylor was hitless in four consecutive games and seven of the last eight.
He has nonetheless remained a key part of the Dodgers lineup and made an impact defensively in the series opener by throwing out Trent Grisham at home plate for an inning-ending double play.
It was an encouraging development for Taylor as he gets further removed from offseason right elbow surgery.
“Definitely is feeling stronger as the year progresses,” Taylor said. “It’s still has its little peaks and valleys, but compared to where we were a couple months ago, there’s no way I would’ve been able to make that throw.”
Mitch White credited Taylor for the play helping him generate some success.
“Whenever there’s big defensive plays on the field it’s a big deal,” White said. “Obviously to stop the bleeding there, that was huge. I think that definitely gave me a little momentum.”
Betts returning to outfield because of Taylor injury
The Dodgers plan to activate Mookie Betts off the 10-day injured list Sunday but rather than have him start at second base, he’s expected to be in right field as a result of Taylor’s injury.
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