Washington Nationals: CF Michael Taylor still struggling with plate … – OutsidePitchMLB

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When Adam Eaton went down with a season-ending injury, Michael Taylor was called upon to play center field every day for the Washington Nationals. The team didnt really have any other choice other than Taylor. So far, he has done an admirable job filling in with exception to his plate discipline.

Since taking over full-time, Taylor has hit with (some) power and delivered on defense. His eye at the plate remains the Achilles heel in his offensive game.

Through his first 117 at-bats, Taylor has drawn only six walks. To make matters worse, he has a team-leading 44 strikeouts.

Poor plate discipline has been an issue throughout Taylors big league career. When the Nationals played him regularly in 2015, the now 26-year-old fanned an unacceptable 158 times. He struck out another 77 times last season in far fewer at-bats. If the Nationals didnt call up Trea Turner to play center field, Taylor would have surely fanned a lot more.

Through parts of four big league seasons, the Nationals center fielder is averaging 178 strikeouts per 162 games. He is also averaging only 35 base on balls per 162 games. As a result, he has a pitiful .283 OBP.

Taylors offensive abilities were already limited. Hes not the kind of player who appears capable of hitting for a high batting average. Players like this need to make up for it with an excessive amount of walks.

Young players striking out often and not getting on base via walks is contagious in the Nationals lineup. Turner has suffered the same fate. Its a problem for many MLB freshmen. The major difference between Taylor and Turner is the former has been consistently bad at this four several seasons. Turners high strikeout/low walk ratio is brand new.

No other season has been as important as this one for Taylors future. He barely cracked the Opening Day roster. With one outfield spot presumably open next year, he has a chance to increase his playing time exponentially.

To that same end, if the strikeouts persist and the walks stay absent, Taylor may forever lose his chance at starting regularly.

Tim Boyle is a Staff Writer for Outside Pitch MLB covering the Washington Nationals. Follow Tim on Twitter.

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Washington Nationals: CF Michael Taylor still struggling with plate ... - OutsidePitchMLB