With less than a week before the Los Angeles Dodgers host Game 1 of the National League Division Series, the status of Chris Taylor remains in question due to neck tightness.
Taylor was scratched from the lineup this past Saturday and didn’t play in any of the next three games. He also did not start the finale of the regular season and wasn’t available to play.
Taylor received a cortisone injection and although the possibility of missing the start of the playoffs exists, there is an encouraging update as he’s set to resume workouts, which leaves open the possibility of being ready for the NLDS.
“He’s going to start doing baseball activities [Wednesday], so this weekend will be pretty pivotal for him to get ready for the DS,” Roberts said.
On Monday, Roberts said swinging was hurting Taylor’s neck, but he remained hopeful the 32-year-old would be ready to go on Oct. 11. If Taylor isn’t recovered until shortly after the start of the playoffs, the Dodgers could still choose to carry him on their roster.
“I think with Chris there’s wiggle room,” Roberts said. “If he feels that he can help us at some point in time; pinch-hit, play defense or run the bases, if he feels he’s ready and can contribute, he’ll be on there.”
Despite Roberts’ concern over the injury, Taylor expressed confidence that he’ll be able to recover in time for the NLDS.
Will Chris Taylor have enough time to prepare for the postseason?
If Taylor is able to get healthy in time, he won’t have many opportunities to get his swing down with just a few days worth of simulated games, or none at all, but Roberts doesn’t foresee that being a hurdle.
“I just don’t think with a guy like Chris, I don’t think it’s a number,” Roberts said about how many at-bats Taylor might need to prepare.
“It’s just more of if he’s in there, if his neck feels good. He’s earned the ability for us to just trust him. And if he feels good and he’s showing that his swing is not compensated, then I think it’s a pretty easy decision.”
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