Michael Taylor enhancing strength of the lineup
It is clear that Taylor is finally healthy and in a good rhythm at the plate again. Over the weekend, he had two home runs, including an inside-the-park grand slam and eight RBI’s.
September is a small sample size but it shows how much Taylor is locked in at the plate right now. In nine games, he’s hitting .344 with four home runs and ten RBI’s. He is one of only five players in the National League that have ten or more RBI’s this month.
When Taylor is hitting the ball well at the bottom of the order, it only adds to the lineup because it makes it tougher for the pitcher to navigate. Plus, he continues to play great defense in center field and would probably be a Gold Glove candidate if he hadn’t missed over a month due to an oblique injury.
This season, Taylor has played in nine of the 13 games against the Braves, but his numbers aren’t bad. He’s 9-for-28 (.321) at the plate with a couple of RBI’s and four doubles. However, he’s a combined 0-for-5 in his career against Teheran and Foltynewicz.
As the season continues, it has become more and more clearer that Taylor can be the center fielder of the future for this team. He has taken advantage of his last chance and has improved his production and his approach at the plate to go with his great defense.