Dodgers: Chris Taylor has unexpectedly become the team’s x-factor

Unexpectedly coming onto the scene, Chris Taylor has become a huge x-factor during the Dodgers historic 2017 season.

It was just a little over a year ago when the Dodgers made a roster move that made very little noise. Needing a backup infielder, specifically someone to spell rookie Corey Seager the Dodgers went fishing in the Pacific Northwest.

The Dodgers traded 2010 first round draft pick Zach Lee to the Seattle Mariners for utility infielder Chris Taylor. In 34 games with Los Angeles last year Taylor did very little to impress with a slash line of .207/.258/.362/.620 

This year Taylor started the season in Triple AAA with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, when injuries to Adrian Gonzalez, Joc Pederson, and Justin Turner necessitated roster moves Taylor was one of the beneficiaries.

All Taylor has done since coming up to the parent team is become one of the many unsung heroes this season that has the team on a record pace as baseball’s best team. Taylor has solidified the top of the Dodgers order hitting .312 with 26 doubles both top ten totals in the National League. Taylor leads the team in stolen bases with 13 and has shown flashes of power with 15 home runs.

Taylor’s versatility in the field meant he was slotted into the outfield despite only ever playing in the infield as a major leaguer. Taylor has .983 fielding percentage while committing just two errors in 58 games in the outfield.

Taylor has been especially hot after the All-Star break as Los Angeles has gone 20-3 since then, Taylor has spurred on the offense hitting .391 since the break. By excelling in the leadoff position Taylor sets the table for the team’s big hitter like Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger.

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Adept at hitting left handers Taylor’s numbers against left-handed pitching (.330/ .387 /.557/ .943) has shored up one of the glaring weaknesses for the Dodgers the last two years. Teams will no longer be able to line-up just left handed starters when facing the Dodgers and Taylor is a big part of that.

As the season progresses and the Dodgers expand their roster in September, along with the possible returns from the injured list of Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier, Taylor’s versatility will be further used in the outfield and infield.

Manager Dave Roberts will have many roster options as he tries to keep the team sharp for an inevitable playoff appearance. Taylor figures to be part of Roberts plans as the season transitions into the postseason.

Next: Overlooked in the Dodgers recent domination? The bullpen.

The Dodgers have gotten many contributions from their deep roster and that is a testament to President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and the front office staff. The acquisition of Chris Taylor is proving to be one of those unsung trades that bears championship fruit.