When it comes to versatile players in Major League Baseball (MLB), Chris Taylor is one of the names that come to mind. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ super-utility man has made a name for himself as a player who can play multiple positions on the field.
In 2019, 2021, and 2022, he played at least one game at six different positions, showing his ability to adapt and excel wherever he’s needed.
However, in 2022, he has spent more time in left field than in previous years, which begs the question: is Chris Taylor a left fielder? This article will explore his history with the Dodgers, his experience as a left fielder, and his overall role on the team to answer this question.
Chris Taylor’s History With the Dodgers
Chris Taylor joined the Los Angeles Dodgers organization in 2016, after being acquired from the Seattle Mariners. He initially played as a middle infielder, mostly at second base and shortstop.
In his first full season with the team in 2017, he played 141 games and hit .288 with 21 home runs and 72 RBIs, establishing himself as a valuable utility player.
Over the years, Taylor has expanded his versatility by playing multiple positions. In addition to second base and shortstop, he has also played third base and all three outfield positions.
This versatility has allowed the Dodgers to use him as a valuable asset off the bench and as a starter in different positions. In 2019, he played six different positions, including all three outfield positions, and he did the same in 2021.
Taylor’s versatility has been an asset for the Dodgers, as it allows them to move him around the field depending on injuries, matchups, and rest days.
He has been a consistent contributor to the team’s success, both as a starter and off the bench. His ability to play multiple positions has made him an invaluable asset to the Dodgers’ roster.
Chris Taylor’s Experience as a Left Fielder
In 2022, Chris Taylor has spent more time playing left field than in previous years. This has been due in part to injuries to other outfielders on the team, as well as Taylor’s ability to adapt and play any position.
Taylor has shown himself to be a capable left fielder, making several impressive plays and showing good range and arm strength.
As of April 19, 2023, Taylor has played in 36 games in 2022, with 33 of them being in left field. In those 33 games, he has recorded 7 assists and only 1 error, resulting in a .971 fielding percentage. He has also hit .288 with 5 home runs and 18 RBIs in those games, showcasing his offensive abilities as well.
While Taylor’s performance as a left fielder in 2022 has been impressive, he has also excelled in other positions.
In 2019, he played six different positions, including 15 games in center field, where he recorded 3 assists and a .995 fielding percentage. In 2021, he played 17 games at third base, recording 19 putouts and 31 assists with only 1 error, resulting in a .972 fielding percentage.
Overall, Chris Taylor’s experience as a left fielder in 2022 has shown that he can adapt and excel in any position he is asked to play. While he may not have as much experience in left field as he does in other positions, his performance has been solid, and he has been a valuable asset to the team.
Chris Taylor’s Overall Role on the Team
Chris Taylor’s versatility has been a significant benefit to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His ability to play multiple positions allows the team to make strategic substitutions and rest players while maintaining a high level of performance on the field.
Taylor’s presence on the roster also provides a sense of stability, as the team knows they have a reliable and adaptable player to turn to when they need him.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in baseball, and the Dodgers have had their fair share of them. When a player goes down, Taylor can step in and fill the gap.
For example, when Corey Seager was injured in 2021, Taylor played a significant number of games at shortstop, recording 57 putouts and 85 assists with only 3 errors, resulting in a .976 fielding percentage.
His ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset to the team in these situations.
In addition to filling in for injured players, Taylor’s versatility allows the team to give other players rest without sacrificing performance. For example, if a regular outfielder needs a day off, Taylor can step in and play that position, allowing the player to rest and recharge without sacrificing the team’s performance.
Overall, Chris Taylor’s ability to play multiple positions and adapt to different roles makes him an invaluable asset to the Dodgers. He provides stability and flexibility to the roster and can step in whenever and wherever he is needed.
Chris Taylor’s Defensive Performance by Position in 2022
| Position | Games Played | Putouts | Assists | Errors | Fielding Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Left Field | 33 | 44 | 7 | 1 | .971 |
| Center Field | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Second Base | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Third Base | – | – | – | – | – |
| Shortstop | – | – | – | – | – |
| Right Field | – | – | – | – | – |
Note: Data accurate as of April 19, 2023.
This table shows Chris Taylor’s defensive performance by position in 2022. As the table shows, Taylor has played in 33 games as a left fielder, where he has recorded 44 putouts, 7 assists, and only 1 error, resulting in a .971 fielding percentage.
He has also played in two games as a center fielder and one game as a second baseman, where he has yet to commit an error. He has not yet played at third base, shortstop, or right field in 2022.
FAQs
Has Chris Taylor ever played first base for the Dodgers?
Yes, Chris Taylor has played first base for the Dodgers on occasion. In 2018, he played two games at first base and recorded two putouts with no errors.
How does Chris Taylor’s offensive performance compare when he plays different positions?
While there may be some variation, Chris Taylor has been a consistent offensive performer regardless of the position he plays. His batting average, home runs, and RBIs are all relatively consistent across different positions.
Is Chris Taylor considered a starter or a bench player for the Dodgers?
While he may not have a set position, Chris Taylor is considered a starter for the Dodgers due to his versatility and ability to adapt to different positions. He often fills in for injured players or gives other players rest, but he also starts many games at various positions.
What is Chris Taylor’s contract status with the Dodgers?
As of April 19, 2023, Chris Taylor is in the final year of a four-year contract with the Dodgers that he signed in 2019.
Conclusion
Chris Taylor’s versatility as a super-utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers makes him an essential player on the team’s roster. While he has spent more time playing left field in 2022, he is still primarily known as a player who can play multiple positions effectively.
Taylor’s ability to adapt and excel in different positions has been a significant benefit to the team, allowing them to make strategic substitutions, rest players, and fill in for injured players without sacrificing performance.
Whether he is playing second base, shortstop, third base, or any of the outfield positions, Chris Taylor is a valuable asset to the Dodgers, and his versatility is a significant factor in the team’s success.
