Much to the surprise of many, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to part ways with their long-time serving utility man last week. But it won’t be wrong to say that we all saw that coming, didn’t we? We are talking about Chris Taylor. Given the struggles he had been facing for quite some time now, he was finally released, ending his ten-season tenure with the team. Taylor is now a part of the rival camp, and after changing uniform, he has reflected on the move.
Taylor signed with the rival team, the Los Angeles Angels, for a one-year contract on Monday. Now that he is at his home in SoCal, the 34-year-old seems very excited. “I get to play at home, and I know the Angels have been playing really good baseball, so I’m excited to join the team and hopefully get on the field,” he said. The veteran wasn’t getting on the field much with the Dodgers, given that he was looking for consistent at-bats.
When asked about getting released by the Dodgers, Taylor got candid. “It was emotional. I’ve been on the Dodgers for nine years, but I do believe it was time for me. It was my time to kind of start fresh, you know, hopefully turn the page and start a new chapter. I’m excited to do that here,” he added.
While Chris Taylor is hopeful to make a good start with the Angels, it cannot be denied that he has been rather dismal this season. He had no specific role to play for the Dodgers. His average for the season has been .184 with a .184 OBP and a .421 OPS and he has not hit any home runs. But the other factors might also be involved behind his exit.
The Los Angeles Dodgers started using Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim in the position that was long held by Taylor. Not to forget that the Dodgers’ lineup has been marred by injuries, which already put their roster depth to the test. Adding to the woes, it was Austin Burnes’ exit earlier that made it clearer Taylor’s days with the Dodgers might just be over.
Former Dodgers star starts afresh with rival club
After nearly spending a decade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chris Taylor may not have given it a thought that something like this was coming. During the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the New York Yankees, he stepped to center field, donning a new jersey. However, things didn’t go well as he expected.
Taylor only managed five hits in his first appearance with the Angels, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Angels manager Ron Washington, though, remains optimistic, as he said that the veteran would play both the infield and the outfield.
“He brings experience, which is something we need in there. He’s a good piece for those young guys to talk to about how to handle the grind. He’s been in the grind with LA, and we want that,” Washington was quoted as saying.
The Los Angeles Angels will provide Taylor an opportunity to show what he is capable of. As of now, he will be playing at the position of Kyren Paris, who has been shifted to Triple-A after the Angels’ 3-0 loss against the Miami Marlins.
Taylor had a memorable time with the Dodgers. But his recent struggles prompted the split. With the Angels, he would want to focus on consistency. Will Chris Taylor be able to regain his rhythm soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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