LOS ANGELES The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to have taken yet another hit to their depth, just as they were beginning to regain their health.
The most recent occurred on Wednesday night during an 8-3 defeat to the San Francisco Giants, as Chris Taylor clenched his teeth in obvious anguish as he touched first base on a double in the seventh inning, the team’s first hit of the game. Taylor then left the field with a trainer. Taylor was listed by the Dodgers as having stiffness in his left groin, and manager Dave Roberts hinted that Taylor would probably end up on the injured list.
“(It) kind of grabbed on me,” Taylor said. “We’ll get images tomorrow and see what it is. … I didn’t feel like a pop or anything like that, so I’m hoping it’s very minor.”
Roberts said his concern level on Taylor’s injury was “sort of high.”
“Any time he comes out of the game, which he doesn’t — his pain tolerance is very high — that’s certainly telling,” Roberts said. “I’m assuming it’s an IL, and hopefully it’s not much more than that.”
On Wednesday night, James Outman was traveling to Los Angeles in order to replace Taylor on the playing roster.
The 33-year-old former All-Star is having a successful run at the moment despite the injuries. After a dismal start, in which he had a.305 OPS through his first 97 plate appearances, Taylor was on the outs. With the help of a mechanical adjustment, he has since appeared in 89 plate appearances, with an OPS of.786.
It also occurs only hours after shortstop Miguel Rojas was forced to sign recently released veteran Nick Ahmed as a stopgap after the Dodgers placed him on the injured list due to a flexor strain in his right (throwing) forearm.
“It’s a big blow,” Roberts said.
The team’s infield and lineup have both been hindered by injuries. Mookie Betts, the team’s Opening Day shortstop, has not played since June 16 due to a fractured left hand. Max Muncy, the third baseman for the Dodgers, has not been in the lineup since May 15 due to a persistent oblique strain.
Prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Dodgers had already made it plain what their main goals were: acquiring a starting pitcher of the highest caliber, an everyday outfielder, and maybe some relief help. This latest spate of injuries may be the catalyst for change.
(Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
