Washington Nationals News: Michael Taylor feeling improvement at plate
By Pablo Roa
Today’s District Daily features stories on Michael A. Taylor’s improvement at the plate and Joe Ross‘ success with the Washington Nationals this season.
Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s James Wagner discusses Michael Taylor‘s production at the plate. As Wagner writes, Taylor struggled mightily out of the lead off spot to start the season but has shown signs of improvement of late.
As Wagner notes in his article, Taylor is making more contact of late than he did earlier in the season. While strikeouts have always been a problem for Taylor, he’s especially struggled out of the leadoff spot this season.
With Ben Revere on the disabled list, Taylor is the only choice the Nationals have in center field and in the leadoff spot. Hopefully for the team, Taylor will continue to improve while Revere is out and will be a valuable member of the bench once Revere returns.
Here’s what Taylor had to say about his offensive improvement, via Wagner’s article:
"“The last three days, I’ve honestly felt a lot better,” Taylor said. “I’m seeing the ball better and I’m more relaxed at the plate, a lot closer to how I felt in spring training. Hopefully it will turn into a few more hits.”"
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Jamal Collier discusses Joe Ross’s impressive start to the 2016 season.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Michael A. Taylor feeling gradual improvement at the plate
(James Wagner, Washington Post)
ST. LOUIS — When a hitter struggles to hit as much as Michael A. Taylor did to start the season, any gradual improvement is noticeable. And this week, the center fielder felt just that. Including Friday’s game, in which he hit a leadoff home run, Taylor is 5 for his last 15. He has struck out three times but walked twice. He is making more — and better — contact.
“The last three days, I’ve honestly felt a lot better,” Taylor said. “I’m seeing the ball better and I’m more relaxed at the plate, a lot closer to how I felt in spring training. Hopefully it will turn into a few more hits.” Read full article here.
Ross impressing in Nats’ star-studded staff
ST. LOUIS — Before Dusty Baker got a chance to see right-hander Joe Ross pitch live, the Nationals manager had received scouting reports about how Ross’ “stuff” stacked up with any other pitcher on a talented Nationals staff, including names like Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer.
Next: Washington Nationals: Four Run First Inning Leads To 6-1 Win Over Cardinals
Through the first month of the season, Ross has been as good as advertised. He held a hot-hitting Cardinals lineup to one run in six innings, leading the Nationals to a 6-1victory Saturday afternoon at Busch Stadium. The Nationals got off to a fast start in April thanks to their pitching, which entered Saturday with the best ERA in the Majors. Read full article here.