Dodgers News: Doc Reacts to CT3’s Current Hitting Slump
Chris Taylor was a major keep this past off-season when he entered as a free agent. After losing utility players and fan favorites, Kike Hernandez and Joc Pederson a couple seasons ago, it was vital for the Dodgers front office to keep CT3.
A playoff hero and the best hitter for the Dodgers last postseason, he slashed .476/.542/1.048 and posted a 1.590 OPS. Dude was going crazy. However, things have been vastly different for CT3 in the 2022 season.
He suffered a small fracture in his left foot in early July which caused him to miss a month of action and since returning to the lineup in early August, he hasn’t found it quite yet.
The 31-year-old is currently 11 for 60 which is an average of .160 and striking out nearly half of his at-bats with a total of 27 K’s.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts says the strikeouts are concerning (quote from OC Register’s Bill Plunkett).
“CT, with what he’s done, certainly deserves an extended leash. I have no problem saying that. But the strikeout rate, the swing-and-miss rate is alarming. I know he’s not trying to swing and miss, trying to strike out. But I think for me to feel confident to run him out there more consistently, it’s just got to get better. And I know he understands that too. He’s more frustrated than anyone is.”
Baseball is a cruel and harsh sport at times and it looks like it’s poking at Taylor at the moment. It’s always hard to come back from an injury and try to find your groove, and it’s been a challenge for CT3.
His glove is solid and he’s a proven veteran, but it might be tough to play him in the postseason if he continues to struggle like this.
Nevertheless, Taylor wasn’t that impressive last regular season and then BOOM, the guy couldn’t miss the ball even if he tried. There is a lot of optimism with Taylor considering he turned it on in the 2021 postseason, so anything can happen on that front. We’re rooting for CT3 because even though we are deep, it never hurts to have another seasoned bat in the lineup.
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NEXT: Struggling Bats and Sixth Inning Error Costs Dodgers a 2-1 Loss
Having Taylor be productive as he has been in the past would be icing on the cake. Can you imagine? Betts, Turner & Freedman have been so consistent all year long. Will Smith is so underrated for his offense, A healthy Justin Turner is still so productive & Muncy is starting to be Muncy again. Lux is beginning to live up to expectations. Thompson has been so dependable off the bench. Can you imagine if the Dodgers get any production out of Taylor, Bellinger & or Gallo? As a Dodger fan since 1959. This could be the best Los Angeles Dodgers offensive team in their history! There bench is so strong as well!
Taylor goes thru these periods but he answers the bell when playoffs come around
There is a place for players who are injured and need to get their mojo back. Its called the minor leagues. The Dodgers should allow injured players like Muncy and CT3 to work their problems out in the minors until they can play in the bigs without embarrassing themselves. Pitchers get a season off to recover from an injury. Better to let Muncy spend 4 months in AA and figure it out then fail for 4 months for the Dodgers. How many pitchers have done rehab in the minors and were brought up with an ERA of over 5? No, they are brought up when they are back to close to their old self.