Dodgers' Dave Roberts willing to give Chris Taylor longer playing time

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

SAN FRANCISCO — The lack of production at third base since Max Muncy left with an oblique injury could create “a pathway” for Chris Taylor to get more playing time.

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

“I think with Chris I see better hitters,” Roberts said. “I think his swing has stabilized more, more conducive to line drives. He’s not as subject to fastballs as he used to be. Swing and miss are reduced. Even with two strikes, I like how he can block the ball in this 4 hole.

“So, for me, he has more opportunities and I’m going to give him more room to play at third base. That comes with performance and what I’ve seen recently I like. »

It wouldn’t take much for Taylor to improve on what Muncy’s replacements provided in the first 39 games he missed. During that span, the Dodgers’ third basemen — primarily Kiké Hernandez (23 starts) and Cavan Biggio (10 starts) — combined to hit just .156 (21-for-135) with three doubles, two homers, seven RBIs and 40 strikeouts.

“It’s not great,” Roberts said. “Kike is playing like crazy at third base (defensively). … The offense has been inconsistent. Cavan has reached base. I just think the at-bats have got to improve. And the defense has been good.”

“Performance must count and opportunities must be created. I’m going to give (Taylor) a run at third base. It deserves a look. His last two weeks bear witness to this.

INTENTIONAL DISCUSSION

After being intentionally walked just once in his first 78 games, Shohei Ohtani received an intentional pass from the Giants in each of the first two games of the weekend series. With Mookie Betts out of the lineup and Will Smith slumped, opposing teams might be inclined to use this strategy more often.

“Well, I think we obviously had Freddie (Freeman) behind him (when Betts was in the lineup),” Roberts said. “Will hasn’t been swinging the bat very well lately. So I think that’s kind of the reason behind it. But for me, I’ll take a chance on Will Smith.”

“Intentional passes are not as numerous as in the past. …But Shohei, he deserves it. He hits very well. »

Left exposed in a depleted Angels lineup in years past, Ohtani led the American League in intentional walks (20) in his first MVP season in 2021, then 14 in 2022 and a career-high 21 in his second MVP season last year.

ALSO

Rookie right-hander Landon Knack will continue in the Dodgers’ starting rotation and is expected to make his next start Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. …

Out since early May with a shoulder injury, veteran reliever Joe Kelly continues to make progress in his recovery. But Roberts said Kelly won’t return until after the All-Star break and will participate in a minor league injury rehab assignment at some point when he’s ready. …

Left-hander Clayton Kershaw is expected to return to the throwing schedule this week. Kershaw was prevented from pitching after experiencing “lingering pain” following a three-inning rehab start for Class A Rancho Cucamonga on June 19.

FOLLOWING

The Dodgers are off Monday.

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