The Nationals raised eyebrows on Monday morning, demoting outfielder Michael Taylor in order to activate closer Jonathan Papelbon from the disabled list.
Somewhat surprising move: Papelbon activated. Michael A. Taylor optioned to Class AAA Syracuse.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) July 4, 2016
Taylor had started in center field in 41 of the Nationals' 83 games, including Sunday's and in six of their last seven against left-handed pitchers. Though his overall results left a lot to be desired -- in addition to one of the worst strikeout-to-walk rates in baseball, he'd recently endured a nightmare game against the Dodgers -- he'd actually enjoyed a respectable June, hitting .310/.355/.500. Nonetheless, Taylor's reward for his improved hitting is a trip to Triple-A.
With Taylor elsewhere, the Nationals will stick with Ben Revere as their most-days center fielder. A good question to ask is exactly how long that arrangement will last. Revere's seasonal marks are worse than Taylor's, and the Nationals just so happen to have a talented prospect in the minors who recently took up center field -- you might've heard of him, name's Trea Turner.
Turner has started two of the last three games in center, albeit not, curiously enough, Sunday's game. Danny Espinosa's recent surge and Daniel Murphy's prolonged brilliance has left Turner without an obvious path to the majors. Presuming the Nationals continue experimenting with Turner in the outfield, it could be only a matter of time before he's brought to the majors and installed as their new every day center fielder.
For those unfamiliar with Turner, the book on him is simple. He's scary fast, and should offer enough in the way of offensive skills to profile as a top-of-the-order hitter. The Nationals could use the help, since their leadoff hitters -- Taylor included -- have combined to post the second-worst OPS in Washington's lineup, just ahead of the ninth slot, traditionally reserved for the day's pitcher.
