Dodgers’ Dave Roberts wants to give Chris Taylor more playing time – Orange County Register

Chris Taylor pitches for the Dodgers in the eighth inning in Denver on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

SAN FRANCISCO – The lack of productivity at third base since Max Muncy was sidelined with an oblique abdominal muscle injury could be a runway to more playing time for Chris Taylor.

Taylor made his third start of the season at third base on Sunday, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he might play there more often until Muncy returns some time after the All-Star break. After starting the season in a deep slump, Taylor had a batting average of just .095 as of June 7. In nine games before Sunday, however, Taylor had seven hits in his last 22 at-bats (.318).

“I think I see better hitting opportunities with Chris,” Roberts said. “I think his swing is more balanced and better suited to line drives. He’s not under fastballs as much as he used to be. The swing and misses are reduced. Even with two strikes, I like how he can block the ball in that 4-hole.”

“So for me, he’s getting more opportunities and I’m going to give him more room at third base. That comes from performance and what I’ve seen lately, I like.”

Taylor wouldn’t have to do much to improve on what Muncy’s replacements have done in the first 39 games he’s missed. In that time, the Dodgers’ third basemen — primarily Kiké Hernandez (23 starts) and Cavan Biggio (10 starts) — have combined for just a .156 batting average (21 of 135) with three doubles, two home runs, seven RBIs and 40 strikeouts.

“It wasn’t great,” Roberts said. “Kiké plays damn good at third base (on defense). … The offense was inconsistent. Cavan was on base. I just think the at-bats have to get better. And the defense was OK.”

“Performance should count and opportunities should be created. I’ll give (Taylor) some leeway at third base. He deserves a look. His last few weeks speak for it.”

INTENTIONAL CONVERSATION

After receiving just one intentional walk in his first 78 games, Shohei Ohtani was called for an intentional pass in the first two games of the weekend series by the Giants. With Mookie Betts out and Will Smith in a slump, opposing teams may be inclined to use this strategy more often.

“Well, I think we obviously had Freddie (Freeman) behind him (when Betts was on the roster),” Roberts said. “Will hasn’t been swinging the bat so well lately. I think that’s why. But I’ll try our luck with Will Smith.”

“The intentional passes aren’t as numerous as they have been in years past. … But Shohei deserves it. He swings the bat great.”

Ohtani has been unprotected in a depleted Angels lineup in recent years, leading the American League in intentional walks (20) in his first MVP season in 2021, then with 14 in 2022 and a career-high 21 in his second MVP season last year.

Rookie right-hander Landon Knack will remain in the Dodgers’ starting lineup and is expected to make his next appearance in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. …

Veteran reliever Joe Kelly, who has been out since early May with a shoulder injury, continues to make progress in his recovery. But Roberts said Kelly will not return until after the All-Star break and will eventually participate in a minor league rehab assignment to treat the injury when he is ready. …

Left-hander Clayton Kershaw is expected to resume his pitching routine this week. Kershaw was ruled out of pitching after experiencing “lingering soreness” following a three-inning rehab start for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on June 19.

NEXT

The Dodgers have Monday off.

Diamondbacks (RHP Ryne Nelson, 5-6, 5.69 ERA) at Dodgers (RHP Bobby Miller, 1-1, 6.75 ERA), Tuesday, 7:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, MLB Network, 570 AM