Washington Nationals: 5 To Watch In Philly
By Ron Juckett
MICHAEL TAYLOR
The emergence of Michael Taylor as an offensive threat after Adam Eaton’s ACL injury is a pleasant surprise.
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Hitting nearly .500 over the last week, Taylor raised his average from last Friday’s .095 to .237 heading into Thursday. Yes, strikeouts play too big a role for him. But, his speed legged out a triple and double. He is aggressive early in the count, starting Thursday with a first pitch single off Braden Shipley.
Given one last chance to show he can play in the majors with Washington, Taylor has run with it. As fans can breathe easier, he is settling in again as a regular.
No one questions his defense. Taylor’s speed gives him great range in center field. The concern was his offensive burst a change for him or bad Mets pitching? With Arizona in the rear-view mirror, the success is his.
As the pressure subsides and attention turns elsewhere, can Taylor turn center field into his position? Early returns are promising.
Next: A closer look at Jacob Turner
His career numbers against the Phillies are not good, but the focus is on the future not the past. If he can play well, it goes down as a successful weekend. Taylor’s strikeout problems are familiar with Philly, they have rung him up 40 times.