Dodgers: Chris Taylor Often Plays Injured ‘Without Anybody Knowing’
The Dodgers re-signed super utility-man Chris Taylor prior to the current MLB lockout. To call the signing a big deal would still be an understatement. Taylor’s versatility is the not-so-secret sauce for all of the Dodgers best lineups. It’s why many believe CT3 is quietly the Dodgers most valuable player.
Taylor wants to be in the lineup each and everyday. Even if he’s a little banged up.
Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel would know. Ebel explained that Taylor rarely discloses minor injuries to the training staff on an episode of AM570’s Dodger Talk.
“The trainers are alway coming out and making sure he’s fine like they do rest of the players but you’re not going to see this guy in the training room. If he’s hurt, he’s going to say something. But if he knows he can manage it himself and it’s day-to-day without anybody knowing and he knows he can get the job done – that’s CT. That’s who he is, he wants to be in that lineup.”
Ebel himself routinely checks in with Taylor. Ebel always gets the same answer to the same question.
“I go to him all the time and ask him daily, ‘how do you feel?’ and it’s always the same answer, ‘I’m good’”.
Taylor played in 148 games last year and slashed .254/.344/.438. In the first half of the season, CT3 produced a .834 OPS and 46 RBI. Taylor’s production led to his first ever All-Star selection in 2021.
Taylor’s versatility and availability were certainly factors in the Dodgers re-signing him to a $60M four-year deal this offseason.
Taylor in the Clutch
He’s also delivered in many clutch moments. From his game-saving catch in Game 7 of the 2018 NLCS to his walk-off home run in the 2021 NL Wild Card game, Taylor comes up big in big moments.
Final Thoughts
Dodgers fans can expect a few more of those signature Taylor moments in the next four years. They can also expect CT3 to be in the lineup even if he isn’t 100%.
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CT is a stud!
CT is a great Dodger! I foresee him playing even better the next four years.
My favorite Dodger since Steve Garvey and Don Drysdale before that .
He is the glue that all great teams need to succeed.
I think Taylor was the MVP for the Dodgers last year. Betts didn’t match his 2020 performance. Trea Turner was lights out when he finally got to play, but fizzled in the postseason. Will Smith was solid. All of these guys will be strong in 2022. But Taylor is still the guy that can do it all.
I agree that CT is a valuable resource. But I believe sucking up minor injuries is the norm in high level amateur and professional sports. I believe the tolerance goes up and down the scale say from ping pong to NFL or mma. But kids all over the world are told at some point to rub some dirt on it and play.
As someone who went 6.5 years without calling in sick before retiring, I salute CT. I’m not saying I was subjected to the same physical stress as he, but that doesn’t matter, it’s nice to see someone just going to work every day regardless if they feel like it or not. I’m sure MLB is the same as the office or shop or factory, some push thru as much as they can and others use any excuse.
CT3 is such a joy to watch play. So glad he is back. Hopefully we have a season!