It was a sad week for Los Angeles Dodgers fans as they said goodbye to their longest-tenured fielders in both Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor.
Both have been instrumental in the team’s success over the years, including two World Series championships, so while both of their playing time had lessened, it was not any easier to say goodbye.
To pour a little salt in the wound, Chris Taylor just signed with the crosstown rival Angels, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Former Dodgers Utility Man Chris Taylor Signs With Los Angeles Angels
Reportedly, there was no bad blood between the Dodgers and Taylor as the latter simply wanted the opportunity for more playing time. He should get that in spades with the Angels, as he was thrust into the starting lineup upon signing.
In his debut, he went 0-3 as the Angels lost to the New York Yankees 5-1.
On the season, Taylor is batting .184 with zero home runs and 2 RBIs. He has done this in just 38 at-bats, so more reps at the plate will certainly lead to some consistency and better numbers.
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Taylor began his career in 2014 for the Seattle Mariners. He joined the Dodgers in 2016 and has been an important utility man ever since. His best season came in 2017 when he batted .288, blasted 21 home runs, and had an impressive 72 runs batted in.
At 34 years old, he has the ability to finish off a very solid career in the same city, but for an Angels team that is putting together a surprising season.