Dodgers Provide Chris Taylor Health Status Update
While the hope was for Chris Taylor to begin a rehab assignment in the near-term, the Los Angeles Dodgers provided a more specific update on Monday. First, any time a player is dealing with a forearm fracture; the recovery process is slow-going. Even when the player returns, it’s fair to expect a grace period for their pop to return in their swing.
Bill Plunkett of the OC Register notes that Chris Taylor has started to take some ‘dry swings’ in his recovery. However, no batting-tee or baseball has been added to Taylor’s rehab as of yet.
#Dodgers Chris Taylor said he started taking "dry swings" today (no ball or tee). Progressing in recovery from fracture in left forearm
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 6, 2019
As one might expect – if Taylor progresses without pain or setback – the next logical step is to add those items. For the Dodgers to get Taylor back would be adding a versatile player who has been through the trenches of a postseason run before.
Furthermore, Taylor is not just a simple addition when he returns to the Dodgers. Our own Jason McClure detailed the immense impact Taylor was having in the lineup prior to his left forearm fracture. In fact, Taylor was performing at such a high level (1.238 OPS in a 15-game span during Corey Seager’s absence) that Seager’s departure was hardly noticed.
Analysis
Little by little, the Dodgers getting their health back to full restoration before October baseball begins is just as important as the quality of play you see each night. In a bubble, Taylor’s .787 OPS doesn’t seem like a big thing; but considering the ‘tendency to rise’ factor he was playing with was a big deal.
Indeed, if the Dodgers aspire to win the whole damn thing; they’re going to need Chris Taylor. All eyes on his status can’t be overstated, and him appearing in the lineup for a good stretch during the dress rehearsal will be a big deal for Los Angeles.
Love Chris Taylor. My favorite Dodger.
This guy can flat out play. He gives 100%. His strikeout rate is high; but I expect him to hit .260 or so with a bit of pop. Obviously, if he cut his K’s, he would have a higher average; but he is not quite 30; so MAYBE he will learn to cut down with 2 strikes and try to put the ball in play. On the other hand, this guy is a great fielder. A few of his plays when he was just learning the outfield were highlight reel plays. He plays hard. And he would start at 2nd or short for a lot of teams. It will be great to get him back.
I miss Chris Taylor and wish the best for him. This was a good article, thank you.
Chris is my favorite Dodger. I hope he finds a way back to the roster in the midst of all these great rookies showing up.
Chris strikes out way too much but, he gives his all hustling all the time. He is very versatile and asset to the Dodgers.
The toughest part of all this is having lost Taylor to yet another Dodger among many to be hit by a pitch or perhaps even thrown at. We saw what happened to Turner last year.
If he would ajust his swing he would be a better hitter but I dont like him striking out with runners in score position. Stop trying to hit homeruns all the time a get more hits and the Homer’s will come.